vdy 


7^ 


FROM  THE  LIBRARY  OF 

REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON.  D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED   BY  HIM  TO 

THE  LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


Section  3C^lI> 


1 


i 


COLLECTIONS 


MASSACHUSETTS    HISTORICAL    SOCIETY. 


Committee  of  Publication. 

GEORGE   E.  ELLIS. 
WILLIAM   H.  WHITMORE. 
HENRY   WARREN   TORREY. 
JAMES   RUSSELL  LOWELL. 


^€n/^^  (Jf^iy/^^^t)   f--rH-;^ 


COLLECTIONS 


y 


MASSACHUSETTS  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY, 


VOL.  v.  — FIFTH   SERIES. 


BOSTON : 
PUBLISHED     BY    THE     SOCIETY. 

M.DCCC.LXXVIII. 


University  Press  :  John    Wilson  &  Son 
Cambridge. 


SECOND    EDITION. 


OFFICERS 


OF   TUB 

MASSACHUSETTS   HISTORICAL   SOCIETY. 

Elected  April  10,  1878. 


JPrtsibcnt. 
HON.   ROBERT  C.   WIXTHROP,   LL.D Boston. 

Ckf-Jlrtsibfnls. 

HON.   CHARLES   F.   ADAMS,   LL.D Boston. 

REV.   GEORGE   E.   ELLIS,   D.D Boston. 

^ccorbing  Strrttarg. 
GEORGE  DEXTER,    A.M Cambridge. 

Corrrsponbing  Sccrtlarj. 
CHARLES   DEAXE,   LL.D Cambridge. 

CHARLES  C.   SMITH,   ESQ Boston. 

Jfibrarian. 
SAMLTL  A.  GREEX,   M.D Boston. 

Cabinrt-Jccptr. 
WILLIAM  S.   APPLETOX,   A.M Boston. 


€«nitibc  ^ommxiitt  of  i\^t  (Connril. 

RICHARD   FROTHIN'GHAM,   LL.D. 
CHARLES   C.   PERKINS,    A.M.     .     . 
WIXSLOW   WARREN,   LL.B.   .     .     . 
CHARLES   W.   TUTTLE,    A.M.     .     . 
LEVERETT   SALTONSTALL,   A.M. 


.  Boston. 
.  Boston. 
.   Dkdiiam. 
.  Boston. 
.  Newton. 


RESIDENT    MEMBERS, 

AT  THE   DATE  OF  THE  PUBLICATION  OF  THIS  VOLUME   IN   THE  ORDER  OF 
THEIR   ELECTION. 


Hon.  Robert  C.  Winthrop,  LL.D. 
Hon.  Charles  Francis  Adams,  LL.D. 
Rev.  George  E.  Ellis,  D.D. 
Hon.  John  C.  Gray,  LL.D. 
Hon.  George  S.  Hillard,  LL.D. 
Hon.  Peleg  W.  Chandler,  LL.D. 
Rev.  George  W.  Blagden,  D.D. 
Rev.  Lucius  R.  Paige,  D.D. 
Hon.  Solomon  Lincoln,  A.M. 
Rev.  Chandler  Robbins,  D.D. 
John  Langdon  Sibley,  A.M. 
Hon.  Richard  Frothingham,  LL.D. 
Henry  Wheatland,  M.D. 
Charles  Deane,  LL.D. 
Francis  Parkman,  LL.B. 
Ellis  Ames,  A.B. 
Rev.  Samuel  K.  Lothrop,  D.D. 
Rev.  William  Newell,  D.D. 
John  A.  Lowell,  LL.D. 
Oliver  Wendell  Holmes,  M.D. 
Henry  W.  Longfellow,  LL.D. 
Jacob  Bigelow,  LL.D. 
Hon.  Stephen  Salisbury,  LL.D. 
Henry  Austin  Whitney,  A.M. 
Rev.  William  S.  Bartlet,  A.M. 
Leverett  Saltonstall,  A.M. 
Rev.  Alonzo  H.  Quint,  D.D. 
Samuel  F.  Haven,  A.M. 
Hon.  Richard  H.  Dana,  Jr.,  LL.D. 
Hon.  Caleb  Cushing,  LL.D. 
[vi] 


Henry  W.  Torrey,  A.M. 
Williams  Latham,  A.B. 
Hon.  Charles  Hudson,  A.M. 
Rev.  Robert  C.  Waterston,  A.M. 
Thomas  C.  Amory,  A.M. 
Samuel  A.  Green,  M.D. 
Hon.  James  M.  Robbins. 
Charles  Eliot  Norton,  A.M. 
Hon.  John  J,  Babson. 
Robert  Bennett  Forbes,  Esq. 
Rev.  Edward  E.  Hale,  A.M. 
Rev.  Andrew  P.  Peabody,  D.D. 
William  G.  Brooks,  Esq. 
Hon.  Horace  Gray,  LL.D. 
Amos  A.  Lawrence,  A.M. 
Rev.  Edwards  A.  Park,  D.D. 
Hon.  Francis  E.  Parker,  LL.B. 
William  H.  Whitmore,  A.M. 
George  B.  Emerson,  LL.D. 
James  Russell  Lowell,  LL.D. 
Rev.  Nicholas  Hoppin,  D.D. 
Nathaniel  Thayer,  A.M. 
Erastus  B.  Bigelow,  LL.D. 
Hon.  William  C.  Endicott,  A.B. 
Hon.  Eben.  Rock  wood  Hoar,  LL.D 
Hon.  Seth  Ames,  A.M. 
Josiah  P.  Quincy,  A.M. 
Samuel  Eliot,  LL.D. 
Henry  G.  Denny,  A.M. 
Charles  C.  Smith,  Esq. 


KESIDENT   MEMBERS. 


TU 


Hon.  George  S.  Hale,  A.B. 
Rol>ert  M.  Mason,  Esq. 
William  S.  Appleton,  A.M. 
Rev.  Henn-  M.  Dexter,  D.D. 
Theodore  Lyman,  S.B. 
Hon.  William  T.  Davis,  A.B. 
Rev.  George  Punehard,  A.M. 
Abner  C.  Goodell,  A.M. 
William  Amory,  A.M. 
Edward  D.  Harris,  Esq. 
Ralph  Waldo  Emerson,  LL.D. 
Augustus  T.  Perkins,  A.M. 
Hon.  Mellen  Chamberlain,  LL.B. 
Winslow  Warren,  LL.B. 
Francis  W.  Palfrey,  A.M. 
Charles  W.  Tuttle,  A.M. 
Charles  W.  Eliot,  LL.D. 
William  Gray,  A.M. 
Delano  A.  Goddard,  A.M. 
Rev.  Henry  W.  Foote,  A.M. 


Charles  C.  Perkins,  A.M. 
Charles  F.  Dunbar,  A.B. 
Hon.  Charles  Devens,  LL.D. 
Charles  F.  Adams,  Jr.,  A.B. 
William  P.  Uphan»,  A.M. 
Hon.  A.  H.  Bullock,  LL.D. 
Fitch  Edward  Oliver,  M.D. 
William  Everett,  Ph.D. 
George  B.  Chase,  A.M. 
Henry  Cabot  Lodge,  Ph.D. 
John  T.  Morse,  Jr.,  A.B. 
Justin  Winsor,  A.B. 
J.  Elliot  Cabot,  LL.B. 
George  Dexter,  A.M. 
Hon.  Gustavus  Vasa  Fox. 
Henry  Lee,  A.M. 
Gamaliel  Bradford,  A.B. 
Rev.  Edward  J.  Young,  A.M. 
Hon.  John  Lowell,  LL.D. 


HONORARY  AND   CORRESPONDING 
MEMBERS, 

ELECTED   UNDER  THE  ORIGINAL  ACT   OF   INCORPORATION,    1794,    IN   THE   ORDER 
OF  THEIR  ELECTION. 


T.  A.  Moerenhout,  Esq. 
Rev.  Luther  Halsey,  D.D. 
Rev.  Leonard  Bacon,  D.D. 
John  Winthrop,  Esq. 
Rt.  Rev.  William  B.  Stevens,  E 
Major  E.  B.  Jarvis. 
E.  George  Squier,  Esq. 
Hon.  George  Bancroft,  LL.D. 
J.  Hammond  Trumbull,  LL.D. 
[viii] 


James  Ricker,  Jr.,  Esq. 
Henry  Stevens,  F.S.A. 
Frederick  Griffin,  Esq. 
Rev.  William  S.  Southgate. 
Hon.  Samuel  G.  Arnold,  LL.D. 
John  Gilmary  Shea,  LL.D. 
James  Lenox,  Esq. 
Hon.  John  R.  Bartlett,  A.M. 
G.  P.  Faribault,  Esq. 


HONORARY    AND   CORRESPONDING    MEMBERS, 

KLECTED   smCS  THE   PASSAGE  OF  THE   ACT  OK   1857. 


Honorary. 

Francois  A.  A.  Mijjjnet. 

Comte  Adolphe  de  Circourt. 

M.  Edouard  lleue  Lef^bre  Labou- 

laye,  LL.D. 
Hon.  John  A.  Dix,  LL.D. 
Leopold  Vou  K;inke. 
James  Anthony  Fioude,  M.A. 
The  Very    Rev.    Arthur    PenrhjTi 

Stanley,  D.D. 
Thomas  Carlyle,  D.C.L. 
Edward  A.  Freeman,  D.C.L, 
Hon.  George  P.  Marsh,  LL.D. 
The  Right  Rev.  Lord  Arthur  Her- 

vey,  LL.D. 
Hon'  Hugh  Blair  Grigsby,  LL.D. 
Rev.  Leonard  Woods,  D.D.,  LL.D. 
Rev.    Theodore    Dwight   Woolsey, 

D.D. 
David  Masson,  LL.D. 
Rev.  Barnas  Sears,  D.D. 
Baron  F.  von  Iloltzendorff. 
Comte  de  Paris. 
Prof.  William  Stubbs,  D.C.L. 
Hon.  William  M.  Evarts,  LL.D. 
Hon.  Horatio  Seymour,  LL.D. 
Henri  Martin. 

Corresponding. 

Rev.  Samuel  Osgood,  D.D. 
William  Durrant  Cooper,  F.S.A. 
Edmund  B.  OCallaghan,  LL.D. 
Benjamin  F.  French,  Esq. 
William  H.  Trescot,  Esq. 
.John  G.  Kohl,  LL.D. 
Benjamin  R.  Winthrop,  Esq. 
J.  Carson  Brevoort,  LL.D. 
George  H.  Moore,  LL.D. 
W.  Xoel  Sain.sbury,  Esq. 
S.  Austin  Allibone,  LL.D. 
Henry  T.  Parker,  A.M. 
Benson  J.  Lossing,  LL.D. 
Lyman  C.  Draper,  LL.D. 
George  Washingtoa  Greene,  LL.D. 


Rev.  William  G.  Eliot,  D.D. 

Henry  B.  Dawson,  Esq. 

Goldwin  Smith,  LL.D. 

George  T.  Curtis,  A.B. 

James  Parton,  Esq. 

Hon.  John  Meredith  Read,  A.^L 

Joseph  Jackson  Howard,  LL.D. 

Brantz  Mayer,  Esq. 

John  Winter  Jones,  F.S.A. 

Richard  Henry  Major,  F.S.A. 

Rev.  Edmond  de  Pressense. 

Charles  J.  Stills,  LL.D. 

William  W.  Story,  A.M. 

M.  Jules  Marcou. 

Thomas  B.  Akins,  Esq. 

^L  Pierre  !Margry. 

Charles  J.  Hoadly,  Esq. 

John  Foster  Kirk,  Esq. 

Rev.  William  L  Budington,  D.D. 

Benjamin  Scott,  F.R.A.S. 

Hon.  Charles  H.  Bell,  A.M. 

Rev.  William  Barry. 

Rev.  Edward  D.  Neill,  A.B. 

Rev.  J.  Lewis  Diman,  D.D. 

Col.  Joseph  L.  Chester,  LL.D. 

William  Gammell,  LL.D. 

Rev.  Thomas  Hill,  D.D.,  LL.D. 

Josiah  G.  Holland,  M.D. 

Hon.  Manning  F.  Force,  LL.B. 

Comte  Achille  de  Rochambeau. 

Sir  Bernard  Burke,  C.B.,  LL.D. 

Samuel  Rawson  Gardiner,  A.M. 

Hon.  John  Bigelow. 

George  William  Curtis,  LL.D. 

Henry  C.  Lea,  Esq. 

Hubert  H.  Bancroft,  A.M. 

Thomas     Wentworth     Higginson, 

A.:sL 

Rev.  John  R.  Green,  LL.D. 
Rev.  Richard  S.  Storrs,  D.D, 
William  F.  Poole,  A.M. 
Plev.  E.  Edwards  Beardsley,  D.D. 
John  Austin  Stevens,  A.B. 
Josepli  F.  Ix)ubat,  LL.D. 
Charles  H.  Hart,  LL.B. 


MEMBERS    DECEASED. 


Resident,  Honorary,  and  Corresponding  Members,  who  have  died  since  the  pubhca^ 
tion  of  the  List  of  Members  in  the  last  volume  of  the  Collections,  April  1, 
1878  ;  or  of  whose  death  information  has  been  received  since  that  date. 


Resident. 

Hou.  George  T.  Bigelow,  LL.D.       |  Hon.  Benjamin  F.  Thomas,  LL.D. 

f 

Honorary  and   Corresponding. 
Erastus  Smith,  Esq.  |  William  Cullen  Bryant,  LL.D. 

M 


DIARY 


OP 


SAMUEL     S  E  W  A  L  L 

1674-1729. 

Vol.  I. 
1674-1700. 


I 


The  Engraving  of  Judge  Sew  all,  here  presented^  is 
from  what  is  supposed  to  he  an  original  Portrait  of  him,  in 
possession  of  his  descendants,  the  Misses  Ridgway,  of  Boston, 
They  have  very  kindly  permitted  the  Society  the  privilege  of 
having  this  engraved  copy  made  from  the  painting.  The 
Editors  are  endeavoring  to  trace  the  origin  and  history  of  the 
Portrait,  with  its  date,  and  the  name  of  the  artist  whose  work 
it  is. 


INTRODUCTION, 


Inasmuch  as  in  the  following  Diary  there  is  so  frequent  men- 
tion of  family  affairs,  and  reference  to  relatives  whose  atiinity  is 
not  readily  discernible,  it  may  be  well  to  devote  some  pages  to 
the  genealogy  of  the  Sewall  family,  and  of  those  allied  to  it. 

For  convenience  we  will  treat  first  of  the  main  famil}'  and  of 
such  of  the  blood-relations  of  the  Cliief  Justice  as  were  alive  in 
his  time ;  secondly,  of  the  family  of  his  mother,  the  Dumraers, 
and  of  the  Hull  connection,  through  his  wife ;  thirdly,  of  his 
own  descendants. 

OF  THE   MAIN  LINE   OF   SEWALLS. 

Fii*st  in  importance  in  this  branch  is  a  letter  written  by  Sam- 
uel Sewall  to  his  son,  dated  Aug.  20,  1720,  and  printed  in  the 
New  England  Historical  and  Genealogical  Register,  V(j1.  I.  pp. 
111-113.  This  letter  was  in  the  possession  of  the  late  Rev. 
Samuel  Sewall,  of  Burlington,  Mass.,  and  is  now  in  that  of  his 
son.  This  printed  copy,  however,  has  been  collated  with  a 
transcript  made  by  Samuel  Sewall,  Jr.,  to  whom  it  was  ad- 
dressed, and  the  very  trifling  differences  noted. 

Boston,  April  21,  1720. 

Dear  Son,  —  You  have  often  desired,  that  I  would  give  you  some 
aooouDt  of  the  family  of  which  you  are.  And  althou;^h  I  am  much  leu 
Able  to  doe  any  thing  of  this  nature  now  when  I  have  been  left  of  my 
dear  Parents  very  uear  Twenty  years,  yet  considering  the  longer  1  stay, 
the  more  unfit  I  shall  be,  take  wliat  I  have  to  say  as  follows : 

Mr  Henry  Sewall,  my  great  Grandfather,  was  a  Linen  Draper  in  the 
City  of  Coventry  in  Great  Britain.  He  actjuired  a  great  Estate,  was  a 
prudeut  Mau,  aud  was  more  than  once  choseu  Mayor  of  the  City. 


Xll  INTRODUCTION. 

Mr  Henry  Sewall,  my  Grandfather,  was  his  eldest  Son,  who  out  of 
dislike  to  the  English  Hierarchy  sent  over  his  onely  Son,  my  Father,  Mr 
Henry  Sewall,  to  New  England  in  the  year  1634,  with  Net  Cattel  and 
Provisions  sutable  for  a  new  Plantation.  Mr  Cotton  would  have  had 
my  Father  settle  at  Boston ;  but  in  regard  of  his  Cattel  he  chose  to  goe 
to  Newbury,  whether  my  Grandfather  soon  followed  him.  Where  also 
my  Grandfather  Mr  Stephen  Dummer  and  Alice  his  wife  likewise 
dwelled  under  the  Ministry  of  the  Peverend  Mr  Thomas  Parker  and 
Mr  James  Noyes. 

On  the  25*.^  March,  1646,  Richard  Saltonstall,  Esq.  Grandfather  of 
Gurdon  Saltonstall,  Esq.  now  Governour  of  Connecticut,  joined  to- 
gether in  Marriage  my  father  Mr  Henry  Sewall  and  my  Mother  Mrs 
Jane  Dummer,  eldest  Child  of  Mr  Stephen  Dummer  aforesaid  and  Alice 
his  wife:  my  Father  being  then  about  32,  and  my  Mother  about  19 
years  of  age. 

But  the  Climat  being  not  agreeable  to  my  Grandfather  and  Grand- 
mother Dummer,  (whose  Maiden  name  was  Archer)  they  returned  to 
England  the  Winter  following,  and  my  Father  with  them,  and  dwelt 
awhile  at  Warwick,  and  afterwards  removed  to  Hampshire.  My  Sister 
Hannah  Tappin,  their  eldest  Child,  was  born  at  Tunworth  May  10*^ 
1649.     Baptised  by  Mr  Haskins. 

I  was  born  at  Bishop  Stoke,  March  28,  1652 ;  so  that  the  light  of  the 
Lord's  Day  was  the  first  light  that  my  Eyes  saw,  being  born  a  little 
before  day-break.  I  was  baptised  by  Mr  Pashly,  (sometime  Member 
of  the  Old  Church  m  Boston)  in  Stoke  Church  May  4*  1652.  Mr 
Rashly  first  preached  a  Sermon,  and  then  baptised  me.  After  which 
an  entertainment  was  made  for  him  and  many  more.  Some  months 
after,  my  Father  removed  to  Badesly,  where  my  Brother  John  Sewall 
was  born  Oct.  10.  1654,  and  was  baptised  in  my  Father's  House  Nov.  22 
by  Mr  Henry  Cox,  Minister  of  Bishop  Stoke. 

My  brother  Stephen  Sewall  was  born  at  Badesly  Aug.  19th,  1657, 
baptised  in  my  father's  house  by  the  said  Mr  Cox.  My  Father  had 
made  one  Voyage  to  New  England  to  visit  my  Grandfather  Mr  Henry 
Sewall.  And  in  the  year  1659  he  went  thither  again;  his  rents  at  New- 
bury coming  to  very  little  when  remitted  to  England.  In  my  father's 
absence,  October  25,  1659,  my  Sister  Jane  Gerrish  was  born  at  Badesly 
and  was  baptised  by  Mr  Cox  at  Bishop  Stoke  in  the  house  of  Mr  Boys. 

At  this  Badesly,  by  the  merciful  goodness  of  God,  I  was  taught  to 
read  English.  And  afterwards  was  educated  in  the  Grammer  School  at 
Rumsey  of  which  Mr  Figes  was  Master. 

My  Father  sent  for  my  Mother  to  come  to  him  to  New  England.  I 
remember  being  at  Bishop  Stoke  and  Badesly,  April  23,  1661,  the  day 
of  the  Coronation  of  K.  Charles  the  2*!,  the  Thunder  and  Lightening  of  it. 


INTnODUCTION".  XIll 

Quickly  after  my  '^^othe^  went  to  Winchester  with  5  small  Children, 
Hannah,  Samuel,  John.  Stej)hen  and  Jane;  and  John  Nasji  and  Mary 
lIol)s  lior  Servants?  thoro  to  he  in  a  readiness  for  the  l*ool  Wa«^«^ons.  At 
this  place  her  near  Relations,  especially  my  very  worthy  and  pious  Uncle 
Mr  Stephen  Dummer  took  leave  with  Tears.  Capt.  Dunimer  of  Swath- 
ling  treated  us  with  Raisins  and  Almonds.  My  Mother  lodged  in  l*ump- 
yanl,  London,  waiting  for  the  going  of  the  Ship,  the  Prudent  Mary,  Capt. 
Isaac  Woodgreen,  Commander.  Went  by  water  to  Graves- Hnd  where 
the  Ship  lay.  Tt>ok  in  Sheep  at  Dover.  Passengers  in  the  Ship  at  the 
same  time  were  Major  Brown,  a  young  brisk  Merchant  and  a  consider- 
able Freighter;  Mr  Gilbert  and  his  wife.  He  was  Minister  at  Topsfield ; 
Madam  Hradstreet,  then  Gardener ;  Mrs  Martha,  Mr  Pitkins  Sister,  who 
died  lately  at  Windsor,  and  many  others.  We  were  about  eight  weeks 
at  Sea,  where  we  had  nothing  to  see  but  Water  and  the  Sky ;  so  that  I  be- 
gan to  fear  I  should  never  get  to  Shoar  again ;  only  I  thought  the  Capt. 
and  Mariners  would  not  have  ventured  themselves  if  they  had  not  hopes 
of  getting  to  Land  again.  Capt.  Woodgreen  arrived  here  on  Satterday. 
I  was  overjoyed  to  see  Land  again,  especially  being  so  near  it  as  in  the 
Narrows.  'Twas  so  late  by  that  time  we  got  to  the  Castle,  that  our  men 
held  a  discourse  with  them  whether  they  should  fire  or  no,  and  reckoned 
't  was  agreed  not  to  doe  it.  But  presently  after  the  Castle  fired ;  which 
much  displeased  the  Ship's  Company ;  and  then  they  fired.  On  the 
Lord's  day  my  Mother  kept  aboard ;  but  I  went  ashoar,  the  Boat 
grounded,  and  I  was  carried  out  in  arms  July  6,  1661.  My  Mother 
lodg'd  at  Mr  Richard  Collicott's.  This  week  there  was  a  publick  Thanks- 
giving. My  Father  hastened  to  Boston  and  carried  his  Family  to 
Newbury  by  Water  in  Mr  Lewis.  Brother  Tapan  has  told  me  our 
arrival  there  was  upon  Lecture-day  which  was  Wednesday.  Mr  Ordway 
carried  me  ashore  in  his  Canoe.  We  sojourned  at  Mr  Titcomb's.  My 
Father  presently  sent  me  to  school  to  the  Reverend  and  Excellent  Mr 
Thomas  Parker,  with  whom  I  continued  till  my  entrance  into  the  Col- 
lege ;  being  admitted  by  the  very  learned  and  pious  Mr  Charles  Chauncey. 

Sept.  3,  1602,  Mother  was  brought  to  bed  of  Sister  Anne,  Mr  Joshua 
Aloodey  the  Minister's  Mother  being  her  Midwife.  Baptised  by  Mr 
Parker. 

May,  8,  1 6C5,  Sister  Mehetal)el  was  born :  Baptised  by  Mr  Parker. 
She  became  wife  to  the  midwife's  Grandson,  Mr  William  Moodey.  Dor- 
othy Sewall  (now  Northend)  was  bom  Oct.  29,  1668.  Baptised  by  Mr 
Parker. 

At  this  time  the  commencement  was  in  August.  In  the  year  1 667 
my  father  brought  me  to  be  admitted,  by  which  means  I  heard  Mr  Rich- 
ard Mather  of  Dorchester  preach  Mr  Wilson's  Funeral  Sermon.  "  Your 
Fathers  where  are  they 't "     I  was  admitted  by  the  very  learned  and 


XIV  INTRODUCTION. 

pious  Mr  Charles  Cliauncey,  who  gave  me  my  first  Degree  in  the  year 
1671.  There  were  no  Masters  in  that  year.  These  Bachelours  were  the 
last  Mr  Chaiincey  gave  a  decree  to,  for  he  died  the  February  following. 

In  July  1672,  Dr  Hoar  came  over  with  his  Lady  and  sojourned  with 
your  Grandfather  Hull.  He  was  my  Aunt  Quincey's  Brother;  and 
preached,  as  an  assistant,  to  the  Rev.  Mr  Thomas  Thacher  at  the  South 
Church.  The  College  quickly  called  him  to  be  President.  He  was  in- 
stalled in  the  College  Hall  in  December  1672.  Gov.  Bellingham  lay 
dead  in  his  House,  and  Dep.  Gov.  Leverett  was  the  Chief  Civil  Magis- 
trat  jDresent  at  that  Solemnity.  The  March  following  Mrs  Bridget  Hoar, 
now  Cotton,  was  born  in  Cambridge.  In  1674  I  took  my  2^.  Degree  and 
Mrs  Hannah  Hull,  my  dear  Wife,  your  honoured  Mother,  was  invited 
by  the  Dr.  and  his  Lady  to  be  with  them  a  while  at  Cambridge.  She  saw 
me  when  I  took  my  Degree  and  set  her  affection  on  me,  though  I  knew 
nothing  of  it  till  after  our  Marriage;  which  was  February  28th.  1675-6. 
Gov.  Bradstreet  married  us  in  that  we  now  call  the  Old  Hall ;  't  was  then 
all  in  one,  a  very  large  Room.  As  I  remember,  Madam  Thacher  and 
Madam  Paige,  with  whom  Gov.  Bradstreet  boarded,  visited  us  the  next 
day. 

On  the  2^.  of  April,  1677,  it  pleased  God  to  favour  us  with  the  birth 
of  your  brother  John  Sewall,  our  first-born.  In  June  1678  you  were 
born.  Your  brother  lived  till  the  September  following,  and  then  died. 
So  that  by  the  Undeserved  Goodness  of  God  your  Mother  and  I  never 
were  without  a  child  after  the  2d  of  April  1677. 

In  the  Fall  1678, 1  was  seized  with  the  Small  Pocks  and  brought  very 
near  to  death ;  so  near  that  I  was  reported  to  be  dead.  But  it  pleased 
God  of  his  Mercy  to  Recover  me.  Multitudes  died,  two  of  my  special 
Friends  viz.  Mr  John  Noyes,  and  Ensign  Benjamin  Thirston,  who  both 
died  while  I  lay  sick :  and  Mr  William  Dummer,  Son  of  Jeremiah  Dum- 
mer  Esq.  aged  about  19  years."^  Presently  after  my  Recovery,  in  De- 
cember, Col.  Townsend  and  I  were  bearers  to  Mr  Joseph  Tappin  one  of 
the  most  noted  Shop-keepers  in  Boston. 

And  now  what  shall  I  render  to  the  Lord  for  all  his  benefits  ?     The 

*  By  some  oversight  in  copying,  this  line  regarding  Dummer  was  omitted 
in  the  Register.  The  following  note  was  printed,  however,  in  that  maga- 
zine, being  an  endorsement  made  by  the  recipient  of  the  letter,  Samuel 
Sewall,  Jr.:  — 

"June  30th,  1729.  Rec?  the  following  ace*  of  my  Honi  Father:  viz. 
my  Great  Grandfather  Sewall  lived  at  Newbury  at  Old  Town  Green,  where 
the  first  Meeting  House  stood:  and  upon  the  Removal  of  the  Meeting  House 
where  it  now  stands  (being  Mr.  Tappin's  Meeting  House),  He  sold  his 
House  and  Ground  and  moved  to  Rowley  where  he  died  and  was  Buiied." 
—  Eds. 


INTROnrCTION.  XV 

good  Lord  help  me  to  walk  humbly  Ji"d  Thankfully  with  Iliin  all  my 
days;  and  profit  hy  Mercies  and  by  Afllictions  ;  that  through  P^iith  and 
Patience  I  may  also  in  due  time  fully  inherit  the  Promises.  Let  us  in- 
cessantly pray  for  each  other,  that  it  may  be  so  ! 

Samckl  Skwall. 
AuoT.  26.  1720. 

Recently,  at  the  request  of  a  descendant,  investigations  have 
been  made  in  England  by  our  well-known  Corresponding  Mem- 
ber, Col.  Joseph  L.  Chester ;  and,  by  the  kindness  of  the  gen- 
tleman who  procured  the  search,  the  main  results  are  here 
submitted. 

The  family  cannot,  as  yet,  be  traced  beyond  the  two  brothers, 
Henry  and  William  Sewall,  both  Mayors  of  Coventry  ;  and  Col. 
Chester  expresses  a  doubt  if  any  earlier  generations  will  here- 
after be  identified.  We  assume  that  these  brothers  were  the 
true  founders  of  their  race. 

A  strong  argument  against  the  supposition  that  Henry  Sewall 
was  of  ascertained  gentle  birth  is  the  following  fact:  His 
youngest  son,  Richard,  of  Nuneaton,  county  Warwick,  married 
Mary,  only  sister  of  Sir  William  Dugdale,  Garter  King  of  Arms. 
Yet  Dugdale  nowhere  terms  him  any  thing  beyond  ^'  youngest 
son  of  Henry  Sewall,  Alderman  of  Coventry."  So  the  '*  Visita- 
tion of  Warwickshire"  (Harleian  Society)  of  1619  gives  this 
match  (p.  327),  and  terms  him  "of  Coventry." 

On  the  other  hand,  the  arras  of  which  we  annex  a  copy  from 
Hurd's  engraved  portrait  of  Rev.  Joseph  Sewall,  dated  1768,  are 
said  by  a  writer  in  the  American  Quarterly  Register  for  1811, 
p.  238,  note,  to  have  been  handed  down  among  the  Se walls  in 
New  England  and  Canada,  and,  with  a  difference  in  the  crest, 
among  the  Sewalls  in  the  Southern  States. 


XVI  INTRODUCTION'. 

There  was,  in  England,  a  family  named  Seawale,  whereof 
John  Seawale  was  Sheriff  of  Essex  and  Herts  in  the  fourth  year 
of  Richard  II.  (A.  D.  1381),  said  by  Fuller,  in  his  "  Worthies  of 
England,"  to  bear  sahle^  a  chevron  between  three  gad-bees  argent^ 
being  the  same  arms  as  those  above  engraved.  (See  a  reference 
to  Fuller's  book  in  the  Diary,  post^  p.  484.)  Papworth  gives  the 
same  arms  to  Seewell,  of  Thingdon,  county  Northampton,  and 
Sewale,  county  Chester,  1716.  The  same  arms,  with  bees  for 
gad-flies,  he  credits  to  Sewell,  of  Newport,  Isle  of  Wight. 

We  have  no  example  of  the  use  of  these  arms  by  Chief-Justice 
Sewall  himself,  nor  are  they  depicted  on  a  portrait  of  his  brother, 
Stephen  Sewall,  now  preserved  in  the  Essex  Institute  at  Salem. 
What  amount  of  authority  appertains  to  this  use  of  these  arms 
by  the  American  family  we  will  not  attempt  to  decide.  It  is 
possible  that  some  seal-engraver  or  herald-painter  of  New 
England  may  be  alone  responsible  for  it ;  but  this  supposition 
lacks  proof  equally.  Of  course,  in  theory,  no  coat-of-arms 
is  of  value  unless  recognized  by  Heralds'  College,  or  fortified 
by  centuries  of  public  use.  Yet  it  may  be  presumed  that  the 
descendants  of  any  person  holding  in  England  a  position  equiv- 
alent to  that  of  Judge  Sewall  would  use  any  arms  which  he 
might  have  borne,  without  scruple  or  challenge. 

One  little  trace  we  discern.  Sewall  himself  (^post^  p.  305) 
speaks  of  seeing  at  Coventry  "  the  City  Hall  where  [I]  saw  my 
great-grandfather's  name  without  any  alias."*^  On  the  same 
page  he  speaks  of  his  "  namesake,  Mr.  Shewell,"  a  clergyman. 

Again,  in  the  "  Visitation  of  Warwickshire,"  1619,  p.  289,  in 
this  generation  we  find  that  Anna,  daughter  of  Henry  Wag- 
staffe,  of  Harbery,  married  William  Shawell,  of  the  city  of  Cov- 
entry. This  we  presume  to  be  the  brother  of  Henry ;  and  we 
infer  that  any  future  search  must  be  under  the  name  of  Shewell 
or  Shawell. 


We  now  proceed  to  the  pedigree  as  traced :  — 

1.  Henry  ^  Sewall,  born  about  1544,  Alderman  of  Coventry,  Mayor  in 
1589  and  1606.  Will  dated  1  Sept.,  1624;  proved  30  June,  1628. 
Died  16  April,  1628,  aged  84.  Buried  in  St.  Michael's  Church, 
Coventry.  Married  Margaret,  eldest  daughter  of  Avery  Graze- 
brook,  of  Middleton,  co.  Warwick,  about  1575.  Will  dated  7  May, 
1628;  adm.  23  Nov.,  1629.  Buried  in  St.  Michael's. 
Ir«ue,  two  sons  and  two  daughters,  of  whom  hereafter. 


INTRODUCTION".  XVU 

2.  William^  Sewall,  vintner,  Mayor  of   Coventry  in   1017.      Will 

dated  20  June,  16*24;  proved  11  Sept.,  1G24.  Slurried  Ann  (j)rol>- 
al»ly  Wajrstaffe.  see  al>ove),  who  died  20  Dec,  1000,  aged  40,  and 
was  buried  in  St.  Miehael's. 

Tliey  had  three  daui^liters,  all  living  in  1624,  viz.:  — 

i.   Klizal>eth,-'  wife  of  Tiiomas  Symes,  of  Coventry,  brazier, 
ii.   Lucy,"  wife  of  Henry  Tadlow. 
iii.  Anne,^  unmarried  then. 

1.  IIf.nrt*  Sewall,  already  mentioned,  and  Margaret  Grazebrook,  had 
issue. 
8.  I.  Henry,*  of  whom  presently. 
II.  Richard,*  of  Nuneaton,  co.  Warwick;  admin.  2  Jan.,  1038- 
30  ;  married  Mary,  sister  of  Sir  William  Dugdale  ;  bapt. 
7  Dec,  1507;  died  about  1048. 

They  had  issue  :  — 
i.  Richard,'  of  Nuneaton;    will  dated  11   Aug.,  1642; 

proved  20  April,  1048. 
ii.  Henry,'  an  apprentice  in  1642;  living  1648. 
iii.  Samuel,*  a  minor  in  1648. 
iv.  Marg:iret,'  aged  4  in  1610  ;  d.  young. 

V.  Mary,' b.  1610;  living  in  1042;  wife  of Dudley. 

vi.  Elizabeth,'  b.  1018;  m.  Edmund  Seare,  Notary  Pub- 
lic ;  living  1048. 
vii.  Anne,'  living  1048. 
viii.  Prudence.'  living  1048. 
ix.  Sarah,' living  1048. 
III.  Anne*  (Sewall),  m.  before  1  Sept.,  1024,  Anthony  Power, 
of  Kenilworth,  co.  Warwick,  gent.     He  d.  between  21 
Dec,  1032,  and  15  January  following.     Her  will  is  dated 
15  January,  and  proved  1  May,  1033. 

They  had :  — 
i.  Henry,' in  1032. 
ii.  Stephen,' living  1646. 
iii.  William,' m.  1032. 
iv.  Anthony,'  living  in  1048. 
V.  Hannah.*  wife  of  Thomas  Lee  in  1 040. 
vi.  Mary,'  wife  of  William  Holbech  in  1046. 
rV.  Margaret*  (Sewall)*  m.  Abraham  Randall,  of  Coventry, 
gent;    d.  »./?.  before  1646.      Her  will  dated  May  4th, 
proved  May  22,  1040. 

3.  Hexrt*  Sewall,  of  Coventry,  married  Anne  Hunt.     He  was  bapt. 

at  St.  Michael's,  8  April,  1570;  emigrated  to   New  England,  and 
died  at  Rowley,  Mass.,  in  1657,  aged  81  years. 
Their  onlv  child  waa:  — 


•  Sewall  {post^  pp.  305,  306)  visited  some  of  these  cousinB,  thoujjh  mo«t 
of  his  relatives  whom  he  mentions  were  on  his  mother's  side,  and  so  one 
generation  nearer.  We  have  endeavored  to  distinguish  the  two  classes  in 
this  genealogical  sketch. 


XVm  INTRODUCTIOIT. 

4.  Henry ^  Sewall,  of  Newbury,  Mass.;  born  at  Coventry,  in  1614; 
came  to  New  England  in  1634;  married  at  Newbury,  25  March, 
1646,  Jane,  daughter  of  Stephen  and  Alice  Dummer,  and  died  16 
May,  1700,  aged  86.     His  widow  died  13  Jan.,  1701,  aged  74. 
Their  children  were :  — 

5.       i.  Hannah,'*  b.  in  England,  10  May,  1649. 


6. 

ii. 

Samuel,*       „          „ 

28  March,  1652. 

7. 

iii. 

John,*           „           „ 

10  Oct.,  1654. 

8. 

iv. 

Stephen,*      „          „ 

10  Aug.,  1657. 

9. 

V. 

Jane,*            „           „ 

25  Oct.,  1659. 

10. 

vi. 

Anne,*          „  New  Eng. 

,  3  Sept.,  1662. 

11. 

vii. 

Mehetable,*  „          „ 

8  May,  1665. 

12. 

viii. 

Dorothy,*     „ 

29  Oct.,  1668. 

Generation  in  which  Samuel  Sewall  belongs,  with  his  Nephews 

and  Nieces. 

5.  Hannah*  Sewall  married,  24  Aug.,  1670,  Jacob  Tappan,  or  Top- 

pan,  of  Newbury,  and  had :  — 

i.  Jacob,5b.  20  May,  1671. 

ii.  Samuel,^  b.  30  Sept.,  1672;  d.  25  Aug.,  1691. 
iii.  Jane,5b.  28  Sept.,  1674. 
iv.  John,5b.  29  Jan.,  1677. 
V.  Hannah,^  b.  4  March,  1679. 
vi.  Elizabeth,^  b.  20  Dec,  1680. 
vii.  Abraham,^  b.  29  June,  1684. 
viii.  Ann,s  b.  16  May,  1686. 
His  wife  died  11  Nov.,  1699,  and  he  married  secondly  Hannah,  widow 
of  John  Sewall,  his  brother-in-law,  and  died  30  Dec,  1717.     His  widow 
died  4  April,  1723. 

6.  Samuel  *  Sewall,  the  writer  of  the  Journal,  married  first  Hannah, 

only  daughter  of  John  Hull,  and  had  :  — 

i.  John,^  b.  2  April,  1677  ;  d.  11  Sept.,  1678. 

13.  ii.  Samuel,^  b.  11  June,  1678. 

iii.  Hannah,^  b.  3  Feb.,  1679-80  ;  d.  unm.,  16  Aug.,  1724. 

14.  iv.  Elizabeth,^  b.  29  Dec,  1681  ;  m.  Grove  Hirst. 

V.  Hull,5  b.  8  July,  1684;  d.  18  June,  1686. 
vi.  Henry ,^  b.  7  Dec,  1685;  d.  22  Dec,  1685. 
vii.  Stephen,^  b.  30  Jan.,  1686-87 ;  d.  26  July,  1687. 

15.  viii.  Joseph,^  b.  15  Aug.,  16S8. 

ix.  Judith,^  b.  13  Aug.,  1690;  d.  21  Sept.,  1690. 

16.  X.  Mary ,5  b.  28  Oct.,  1691 ;  m.  Samuel  Gerrish. 
xi.  Jane,s  b.  7  Aug.,  1693;  d.  13  Sept.,  1693. 

xii.  Sarah,^  b.  21  Nov.,  1694;  d. 
xiii.  A  still-born  child,  b.  21  May,  1696. 

17.  xiv.  Judith,^  b.  2  Jan.,  1701-2;  m.  Rev.  William  Cooper. 
His  wife  died  19  Oct.,  1717,  and  he  married  secondly,  29  Oct.,  1719, 

Abigail,  daughter  of  Jacob  Melyen,  who  had  been  married  twice  before 


INTKODUCTIOX.  XIX 

viz.,  to  James  Woo<lin:insry  and  William  Tiilcy.  She  dinl  '2i^  May,  1720, 
aiul  he  married  lliinlly.  !*'.>  March,  1722,  Mary,  daniihtrr  of  Ilenrji  Shrimp- 
ton,  and  widow  oi  Robert  Ciibhs.  lie  had  no  children  by  the  last  two 
wives,      lie  died  1  .Jan..  17.'{0.      His  widow  died  * 

7.  John*  Skwai.l,  of  Newbury,  married,  27  Oct.,  1()71,  Ilamiali   lY-s- 

seuden,  of  Cambri<li:e.  probably  his  cousin,  and  had:  — 
i.   Hannah.M).  21  Dec.,  1G75;  d. 

ii.   Hannah,*  b.  2()  Dec.,  1(>77 ;  m.  Rev.  Samuel  Moody, 
iii.  John,''  b.  10  Ai)ril,  1080. 
iv.   Henry,*  b.  7  Sept.,  1082. 
V.  Stephen,*  b.  17  Jan.,  KWo. 
vi.  Samuel,*  b.  0  April,  1088. 
vii.  Nicholas,*  (  b.  1  June,  1000. 

viii.     *  \  ;  d. 

ix.  Thomas,'^  b.  5  March,  1093;  d.  at  college,  18  July, 
1710. 
lie  died  8  Aug.,  10l>i>,  and  his  widow  married  Jacob  Toppan,  who  liad 
married  tirst  Hannah,  sister  of  her  husband,  and  died  4  Ajiril,  1723. 

8.  Stephen*  Skwall,  of  Newbury,  married,  13  June,  1082,  Margaret, 

daughter  of  Kev.  Jonathan  Mitchell,  and  had:  — 

i.  Margaret,*  b.  7  May,  1087. 

ii.  Samuel,*  b.  24  Nov.,  1080. 

iii.  Susanna,*  b.  24  Oct.,  1001. 

iv.  Jonathan,*  b.  7  Feb.,  1003. 

V.  Jane,*  b.  10  Feb.,  100.1. 

vi.  Mehetable,'?  b.  21  May,  1007. 

vii.  Mitchell,*  b.  20  Oct.,  1090. 

•  The  following  extracts  are  from  the  note  books  of  Samuel  Sewall,  Jr. 
—  Ed.s. 

♦'  1717.  H.  S.  dies.  October  19,  my  dear  mother  dies,  a  quarter  after  4 
in  the  afternoon;  buried  the  23d  in.stant.  27th.  Dr.  C  Mather  preaches  a 
funeral  sermon." 

"  October  29th,  father  Sewall  marrie<l  by  brother  Sewall  to  Madam  Abi- 
gail Tilley.  Brother  prayed  and  marri»*d  them;  then  Mr  Prince  prayed,  then 
sung  a  psalm.  SOt^i,  a  great  dinner  provided  for  Gov'  and  Council  with  many 
others.'* 

*'  1720  May  20.  Mother  Madam  Abigael  Sewall  dies  suddenly,  being 
taken  a  little  after  10  at  nij;ht,  and  expired  al>out  12  in  the  night.  Her 
maiden  name  was  Melyen,  and  tlu'u  Tilley,  and  then  Sewall." 

*'  .March  29th,  1722.  Brother  William  Cooper  marries  F  [ather]  Sewall 
to  Madam  Marj*  Gibbs;  my  wife  and  I  present,  with  brethren  an!  vkt..,  v. 
Brother  Cooper  prayed  before  marriage  and  brother  Sewall  after." 

*' Aup;iist  16th,  1724.  Forenoon  abc^ut  11  of  the  clock,  my  <lear  M-i'-r 
Hannah  dies,  after  a  long  languishment.  IHth  buried;  pall  bearers  Habij- 
jah  Savage.  Kh/i'  Mr.  W-  Pain,  Mr.  li^.ydal,  .Mr  Franklin,  Mr  .John  Walley, 
and  Mr  Henrj'  (iibbs.  Father  puts  bin  children  into  mourning.  Gave 
B[rother]  Gerrij*h  mourning.  Put  into  the  tomb.  Brother  S^iwall  prays  at 
the  house  after  the  funeral.     Gave  as  rings." 


XX  mTRODUCTION". 

viii.  Henry ,5  b.  25  Oct.,  1701. 
ix.  Stephen,^  b.  18  Dec,  1704. 
X.  Benjamin,^  b.  6  April,  1708. 
He  died  17  Oct.,  1725. 

9.  Jane  Sewall  married,  24  Sept.,  1677,  Moses  Gerrish,  of  Newbury, 

and  had :  — 

i.  Joanna,"  b.  3  Oct.,  1 678. 
ii.  *Jane. 

iii.  Joseph,^  b.  20  March,  1682. 
iv.  Sarah,^  b.  25  Dec,  1683. 
V.  Elizabeth,^  b.  27  Dec,  1685. 
vi.  Mary,^  b.  20  Sept.,  1687. 
vii.  John ,5  b.  2  April,  1695. 
*William.5 
*  Moses.^ 
He  died  4  Dec,  1694;  she  died  29  Jan.,  1716-17.  f 

10.  Anne*  Sewall  married  first,  10  Nov.,  1678,  "William  Longfellow, 

of  Newbury,  and  had  :  — 

i.  William,"  b.  25  Nov.,  1679. 
ii.  Stephen,^  b.  10  Jan.,  1681 ;  d. 
iii.  Ann,^b.  3  Oct.,  1683. 
iv.  Stephen,^  b.  22  Sept.,  1685. 
V.  Elizabeth,^  b.  3  Julv,  1688. 
vi.  Nathan,^  b.  5  Feb.,*  1690. 
And  two  more  died  before  July,  1692.     See  post,  p.  361. 
He  died  in   Phips's    expedition    against    Quebec,  Oct.,    1690.       His 
widow  married  secondly,  11  May,  1692,  Henry  Short,  of  Newbury,  as  his 
second  wife,  and  had :  — 

vii.  Jane,^  b.  4  March,  1693. 
viii.  Samuel,5b.  18  Nov.,  1694;  d. 
ix.  Mehitable,^  b.  12  Jan.,  1696. 
X.  Samuel,"  b.  22  Feb.,  1699. 
xi.  Hannah,^  b.  2  March,  1701;  d. 
xii.  Joseph,^  b.  8  April,  1702. 
She  died  1706. 

11.  Mehitable''  Sewall  married  William  Moody,  of   Newbury,  15 

Nov.,  1684,  and  had:  — 

i.  Mary,5b.  30  May,  1685. 
ii.   Dorothy.^ 

iii.  Samuel^b.  21  March,  1689. 
iv.  Mehitable,^  b.  15  Feb.,  1691. 
He  died  23  Feb.,  1700  (Coffin  seems  to  say  so). 
She  died  8  Aug.,  1702. 

*  These  three,  Jane,  William,  and  Moses,  are  added  from  Sewall's  own 
note,  joos^  p.  361.  —  Eds. 

t  "  1716-17.  January  29th.  Aunt  Gerrish  dyed  about  one  or  two  a  clock 
in  the  afternoon.    Went  to  Newbury  to  her  interment,  which  was  31  instant. 

*'S.  S.  jr." 


INTRODUCTION.  XXI 

12.  Dorothy*  Sewall  married  first  Ezekiel  Nortbend,  o£  Rowley,  10 
Sept.,  1691,  and  had:  — 

i.  .Iohn,*b.  10  Oct.,  1002. 
ii.  Kdna,M).  10  .Ian.,  lO'.H. 
iii.  Ezekiel,'  b.  2.")  Jan,  ir.DG. 
iv.  Jane,*  b.  17  Marcli,  IGDl). 
V.   Dorothy,*  b.  20  March,  1701. 
vi.   Hannah.*  b.  31  Jan.,  1703. 
vii.  Mehitable,*  b.  2  March.  1705. 
viii.  Samuel,*  b.  12  Jan.,  1707. 
ix.   Elizabeth,*  b.  1.')  Dec,  1710. 
He  died  23  Dec,  1732  ;  his  widow  married  secoudlj  Moses  Bradstreet, 
of  Rowley. 

She  died  17  June,  17j2. 

We  do  not  propose  to  trace  tbe  general  history  of  the  family 
farther.  John,  brother  of  our  journalist,  had  numerous  de- 
scendants in  Maine,  among  whom  were  several  very  distin- 
guished bearers  of  the  name.  We  mav  refer  those  interested 
to  a  valuable  tabular  pedigree  in  Drake's  '*  History  of  Boston." 

Samuel's  brother  Stephen  was  father  of  Stephen,  Jr.,  who, 
like  his  uncle,  became  Chief  Justice  of  Massachusetts.  A  cousin 
of  St<.'phcn,  Jr.,  Wiis  Jonathan  Sewall,  Attorney-General  of 
Massachusetts ;  a  refugee,  whose  sons  were  Jonathan,  Jr.,  Chief 
Justice  of  Canada,  and  Stephen,  Solicitor-General  of  that  prov- 
ince. 

We  have  thought  it  proper,  secondly,  to  trace  the  family  of 
SamueFs  mother,  and  that  of  his  wife ;  i.  e.,  the  Dummers,  and 
the  Hulls  with  the  Quincys. 

THE  DUMMER  FAMILY. 

Our  first  authority  on  this  subject  is  the  following  paper, 
entered  by  Samuel  Sewall,  Jr.,  in  his  memorandum  book,  now 
in  the  possession  of  the  Misses  Ridgway,  of  Boston  :  — 

**  The  Genealojry  of  the  Dummers,  Tak«'n  July,  1712,  from  a  copy  taken 
by  Mr.  Will*  Dummer,  son  to  Jeremy  Dummer  Escj.,  wlun  in  Eni'land. 
of  one  of  his  aunt«  at  Rumsey. 

**Thomxs  Dummer  our  grandfather,  that  lyeth  interred  iu  Bishop 
Stoke  church  in  Hampshire,  had  six  s«)ns : 

**  John,  who  had  three  sons  and  four  dauf^hters;  Edmund  and  Thomas 
Dummer  the  younger,  that  now  are  in  London,  are  gran<lsons  to  .John. 

^  Richard  was  the  father  of  Jeremy  Dummer,  Esq.,  now  living  in  Nen 
England. 


XXll  INTRODUCTION. 

"  Thomas,  whose  daughter  Jane  was  grandmother  to  Samuel  Storke : 
Jane,  daughter  to  the  same  Thomas,  was  mother  to  Samuel  Carter :  this 
Thomas  Dummer  was  my  father,  also.     M.  D.  [ummer]. 

"  Stephen  Dummer :  his  eldest  daughter  was  mother  to  Samuel  Sewall, 
Esq.,  now  living  in  New  England. 

"  My  grandfather  had  also  two  Williams,  his  sons,  one  of  whom  left 
•>ne  son  which  hath  children  living.     M.  D." 

It  seems,  then,  that  there  were  four  brothers,  of  whom  Stephen 
came  here  in  1638,  with  wife,  Alice,  and  children  :  Jane,  aged  10  ; 
Dorothy,  aged  6  ;  Richard,  aged  4  ;  and  Thomas,  aged  2.  Here 
he  had  Mehitable,  born  Jan.  1,  1640,  and  returned  to  England 
in  1647,  accompanied,  probably,  by  all  his  family  except  Jane, 
who  had  married  Henry  Sewall,  Jr. 

We  presume  that,  of  Stephen's  children,  Richard  is  the  one 
called  by  the  Judge  ''  uncle  Richard  "  (post,  p.  300),  and  that 
there  was  another  brother,  "  uncle  Stephen  "  (z^.).  Then  there 
are  "  uncle  Nathaniel,"  cousin  Nathaniel  Dummer,  "  aunt  Al- 
ice," cousin  Abigail,  cousin  John,  cousin  Stephen,  cousin  Sarah, 
all  mentioned  by  Sewall  in  this  connection ;  and,  on  p.  294,  we 
find  mention  of  aunt  Rider.  Again  (p.  293),  Sewall  speaks  of 
aunt  Fessenden,  her  son  John,  and  daughters  Mary,  Elizabeth, 
and  Jane  ;  cousin  Jane  Holt.  On  p.  295,  he  mentions  aunt 
Hills  and  cousin  Thomas  Dummer,  cousin  Mary,  cousin  New- 
man, cousin  Bear  ;  p.  298,  cousin  John  Stork,  or  Stock,  cousin 
Thomas  Holt ;  p.  302,  cousin  Richard  Cornish,  aunt  Mehitable 
Holt. 

We  cannot  explain  all  these  relationships,  though  cousin 
Storcke  may  have  been  only  a  distant  cousin. 

Richard  Dummer,  grand-uncle  to  our  journalist,  came  to  New 
England,  and  his  descendants  are  named  quite  often  in  these 
pages.  He  had  sons  Jeremiah,^  Richard,^  William,^  and  Shubael,^ 
and  daughter  Hannah .^  Jeremiah^  came  to  Boston,  was  an  ap- 
prentice of  John  Hull,  married,  and  had  sons  Jeremy ,3  agent  for 
the  Colony,  William,^  Lieutenant-Governor,  Samuel,^  and  Ann,* 
wife  of  John  Powell. 

Richard  2  Dummer,  Jr.,  of  Newbury,  married  Elizabeth  Ap- 
pleton,  and  had  sons  John,^  Richard,^  Nathaniel,^  and  Shubael ;  * 
daughters  Hannah^  and  Elizabeth.^  His  descendants  continue 
the  name. 

Rev.  Shubael  ^  Dummer  was  of  York,  was  married,  but  prob- 
ably  had  no  issue. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXUl 

With  this  outline  of  the  family  it  will  be  easy  for  the  reader 
to  trace  any  of  the  Dummers  mentioned  by  Sewall. 

THE    HULL  AND   QUINCY   FAMILIES. 

As  Sewall  so  often  refers  to  his  wife's  relations  as  his  own, 
some  statement  of  these  may  be  serviceable. 

Hannah  (^Sewall)  Hull  was  the  only  child,  arriving  at  adult 
age,  of  John  Hull  and  Judith  Quincy. 

Her  father,  John  Hull,  was  the  son  of  Robert  Hull,  by  Ins 
first  wife,  widow  Elizabeth  Storer. 

John 2  Hull  had  an  own  brother,  Edward-  Hull,  of  Braintree 
(who  had  a  son  Edward,^  according  to  Savage),  and  a  half 
brother,  Richard  Storer. 

Robert^  Hull  married  secondly  Judith ,  who  had  been 

first  the  wife  of  Edmund  Quincy,  and  secondly  of  Moses  Paine. 
Thus  John  Hull  had  a  step-brother,  Edmund  Quincy,  Jr.,  and 
a  step-sister,  Judith  Quincy,  whom  he  himself  married.  And  a 
still  more  remote  connection  is  to  be  found  in  the  fact  that  this 
second  wife  of  Robert  Hull  had  been  the  second  wife  of  Moses 
Paine,  a  widower  with  three  children  ;  Moses,  Jr.,  Stephen,  and 
Elizabeth  Paine. 

In  the  next  generation,  the  own  cousins  to  Mrs.  Sewall  were 
the  children  of  Edmund  Quincy,  by  his  wife  Joanna  Hoar. 
These  were :  — 

Mary,  m.  Ephraim  Savage. 
Daniel,  m.  Hannah  Shepard. 
Joanna,  m.  David  Ilobart. 
Judith,  m.  Rev.  John  Reyner,  Jr. 
Elizabeth,  m.  R<*v.  Daniel  Gookia. 
Ruth,  m.  John  Hunt. 
Experience,  m.  William  Savil. 
And  also  Edmund  Quincy's  children  by  his  second  wife,  Elizabeth 
Gookin,  widow  of  John  Eliot,  Jr.,  viz. :  — 

Edmund,  3d.  m.  Dorothy  Flynt. 
Mary,  who  m.  Rey.  Daniel  Baker. 

The  following  pages  are  evidence  of  the  interest  which  Sewall 
felt  in  all  of  these  Quincys,  who  were,  indeed,  his  wife's  only  near 
relatives.  Later  on,  we  shall  see  that  Sewall's  grandson  married 
Elizabeth  Quincy,  grand-daughter  of  Edmund,  3d,  and  Dorothy 
(Flynt)  Quincy. 


XXIV 


INTRODUCTION. 


TABLE    I. 

Male  lines  of  Sewalls,  descended  from  Judge  Samuel  the  Diarist, 


r— 22  Samuel. 


r-13  Samuel. 
Rebecca 


18  Henry. 


Dudley.    Ann  White. 


-15     Rev. 
Joseph. 

Elizabeth 

W ALLEY. 


19  Samuel. 


Elizabeth 

QUINCY. 


r"  Hull. 

Sparhawk, 
d.  s.p. 


Samuel, 
d.  s.p. 


—  Hannah. 

^      II 
Edward 

WOLCOTT, 

left  issue. 


^20  Samuel, 
C.J.ofMass. 


-23  Henry  D. 


Mary  C.  Norton. 


28  Samuel. 


-29  Henry  F. 
-30  John  G. 
—31  Edmund  Q. 
-32  Walter  D. 


-24  Edmund  Q. 


Caroline  Ward.  ^34  George  W 


c 


Edmund  Q. 


—25  Charles  C. 


35  Charles  C. 


Amy  Peters. 


Abigail 
Devereux. 


-21  Joseph. 


Mary 
Robie. 


^26  Thomas  R. 


36  Joseph  S 


Elizabeth  Q.  Sewall. 


^27  Samuel  E. 
Louisa  M.  Winslow. 


INTRODUCTION. 


XXV 


TABLE    II. 
Showing  the  principal  female  lines  of  the  descendants  of  Judge  Samuel  Sewall^  Sr, 


(—14  Elizabeth. 


GkOVK  HlUST. 


r— i.  Mauv. 

II         -> 
Sir  William  PsppKaRELL. 


-ii.  Elizadeth. 

II         -> 
Kev.  Charles  Cuauxcy. 

-iii.  Hannah. 

II         -* 
Nathaniel  Balstok. 


— iv.  Jane. 

u     -> 

Rev.    Addinoton 
Daveni-oht. 


-15  Joseph  Sswxix. 19  Samuel  Sbwall.- 


-16  Mart. 

II 
Sajicel  Gerrish. 
No  Imuc. 


r-WiLLiAM  Cooper. 


-17  Jcdith. 

u 


WiLLlAJC  COOPKB. 


Catharine  Wendall. 


— Rer.  Samuel  Cooper. 


Judith  Bulkincu. 


WODITH   COOPEB. 

Jouv  Sbtkb. 


-Elizabeth. 
Samuel  Salisburt 

-Hannah. 

James  Hill. 

-Dorotht. 
Joseph  Mat 

-Katherine. 

II 
IIenut  Gallisok. 

-Samuel. 
-Richard  W. 
-John. 
■Judith. 


'ark. 


Judith. 

Gabriel  JouoNifor. 

— Abioaiu 

u 

Joseph  Ujzov. 


XXVI  INTRODUCTION. 

THE  DESCENDANTS   OF  JUDGE   SAMUEL   SEWALL. 

We  will  now  return  to  the  regular  course  of  the  genealogy,  and  trace 
!  issue  of 
These  were : 


the  issue  of  the  five  children  of  Judge   Sewall  who  left   descendants 


No.  13.  Samuel.5 

14.  Elizabeth.^ 

15.  Joseph.^ 

16.  Mary .5 

17.  Judith.5 

13.  Samuel  ^  Sewall,  Jr.,  lived  at  Brookline,  and  does  not  seem  to 
fill  a  very  large  space  in  the  history  of  the  time.  He  married 
Rebecca  Dudley,  daughter  of  Gov.  Joseph  Dudley.*  Their  chil- 
dren were :  — 


*  Samuel  Sewall,  Jr.,  Family  Record  as  entered  in  various  parts  of  his 
book : — 

"  Roxbury  Sept.  16,  1702.  Sept.  15  was  celebrated  my  marriage  with  Mrs 
Rebeckah  Dudley.  Was  married  by  Mr  Walter.  Present,  The  Gov^  and 
Lady,  with  Mr.  Dudley  and  Brothers  and  sisters,  My  Father  and  Mother, 
sister  Hannah  and  Bro.  Joseph  and  sister  Mary,  also  Mr  Willard  and  Lady, 
Mr  White,  Mr  Lynde  and  Lady.     About  7  of  the  Clock. 

"  July  19,  1703.  Roxbury.  My  wife  brought  forth  a  son  10  minutes  be- 
fore six  in  the  afternoon.  A  very  hot  day  and  a  tedious  painfull  time.  The 
25th  instant  he  was  baptized  per  Mr  Walter.  Was  named  Hull  for  my 
grandfather  Hull's  sake,  to  bear  up  his  name,  that  it  might  not  be  forgotten. 
I  pray  God  he  may  live  and  doe  worthily  in  his  generation,  and  that  he 
may  credit  the  name  which  he  bears :  that  he  and  [his]  father  may  follow 
their  ancestors  steps  as  they  followed  Christ.  Entered  his  name  in  the  Town 
records  of  Roxbury. 

"  Hull  Sewall,  the  son  of  Samuel  and  Rebecca  Sewall  died  Dec.  11,  1703 
of  convulsion  fits.  The  first  two  was  ten  dales  distance  each.  Nov.  20th. 
one  fitt,  21st  another,  22nd  another.  All  three  in  the  morning  about  day, 
and  three  more  the  Sabbath  after;  two  about  day  and  one  at  noon.  Thanks- 
giving December  9th,  1703,  had  a  fit  at  ten  a  clock  at  night,  and  so  con- 
tinued till  Satterday  following  at  about  six  and  seven  a  clock  at  night,  and 
then  died,  after  great  pain  and  sore  strugling  in  his  fitts,  with  great  skreak- 
ing.  So  that  he  finished  a  short  and  painfull  life  before  he  was  five  months 
old.  He  had  some  an  hour's  distance,  some  less,  some  quarter  an  hour;  and 
the  last  very  sore  and  painfull. 

"  Was  buried  at  Boston  in  Grandfather  Hull's  tomb.  His  bearers  were 
Mr.  Nath.  Oliver,  junr.,  and  Mr  David  Stoddard,  the  son  of  Mr.  Symion 
Stoddard;  a  pretty  large  company  attended  him  to  his  long  whome.  .  .  . 
Was  buried  December  15th,  1703. 

"  Came  to  live  at  my  house  December  17th,  1703,  on  a  Friday. 

"  Tuesday,  November  18,  1707.     About  5  in  the  morning  my  wife  was 


I. 

ii. 
iii 


INTRODUCTION.  XXVU 

Hull/  I).  10  July,  170;5;  d.  11  Dec,  1703. 

UclK'tva,*  I).  ao'lVc,  1701;  d.  .'J  Aui:.,  1710, 
....  Samuol,"  b.  18  Nov.,  1707;  il.  IH  Dec,  170H. 
iv.  Hannah,*  b.  25  Oct.,  1709  ;  d.  21  Oct.,  1719. 

brousjht  to  bed  of  a  lusty  son.     Mr  Walter  baptized  him  Samuel  on  the  23d. 
instant.  .  .  . 

"  Daucrhtcr  Rebecca  was  born  Satterday,  Dec.  30,  1701,  about  thn  i-  (jniu  - 
tors  after  seven  in  tlie  morning.  Was  baptized  by  Mr  Walter  Dec.  31,  1701, 
on  the  day  folio  wine:. 

'*  December  18,  1708.  A  little  before  9  in  mornini^,  my  son  Samuel  dyed 
of  a  fever.  W;us  interred  Wednesday,  22d.  instant,  in  my  grandfather  lluir.s 
t*»mb,  l>eing  carried  from  my  father's  house  by  Mr.  Joshua  Chickly  and  Mr 
Timothy  Ruggles.  Gave  tliem  black  scarves  and  gloves.  Gave  Mr.  Walter, 
Doctor  Xoyes  and  Mrs  Baily  scarves.  Gave  22  pairs  of  Welsh  leather  gloves 
to  watchers  and  j>eoi>le  of  tlie  house.     ^ly  wife  and  I  went  into  mourning. 

"  Tuesday  niglit  a\»out  7  or  8  a  clock,  October  25,  1709,  my  wife  brought 
me  a  daughter.  The  Sabbath  following,  Mr  Walter  baptized  it  Hannah,  for 
mother  Sewall's  sake. 

"  An  Account  of  my  daughter  Rebekah's  death. 

*•  Aug.  2,  1710.  In  the  afternoon  she  was  taken  ill  at  the  Govt?  Sent 
for  IXxitor  Xoyes  and  Mrs  Baily;  so  continued  ill;  in  the  morning  after,  her 
mother  and  myself  were  sent  for:  gott  there  about  6  of  the  clock.  Doctor 
Xoyes  and  Mrs  Baily  applying  those  things  which  they  thought  most  proper. 
My  daughter  Rel)eckah  dyed  Aug.  3,  1710,  ten  minutes  before  nine  in  the 
morning;  being  lamented  by  all  that  knew  her.  Friday,  Aug.  4,  she  was 
carried  from  the  Govr!  house  pr  Dan'  Allen,  Sam'  Wainwright,  Thomas 
Bern*',  Increase  Walker  to  the  Gov^  tomV),  where  she  was  interred.  Gave 
th»'m  white  scan'es  and  gloves.  Gave  Mr.  Walter  a  scarf  and  gloves;  also 
Mrs  Bayly  scarf  and  gloves.  My  wife  and  I  went  into  deep  mourning. 
Gave  gloves  to  several  relations.  Govt*  servants  and  mine.  Gave  Mr 
Tompson  a  pair;  he  made  2  coppies  of  verses  on  her.  Gave  Doctor  X'oyea 
a  scarf      She  lived  5  years,  7  months  and  4  days. 

"July  20,  1711.  Friday,  a  quarter  of  an  hour  after  one  of  the  clock  in 
the  morning,  my  wife  was  brought  to  bed  of  a  daughter.  Sabbath  follow- 
ing Mr,  Walter  baptized  it  Mary  for  sister  Mary  Gerrish's  sake. 

"  August  24,  1712.  Sabbath  day  morning,  about  one  or  two,  dyed  my 
daughter  Mark',  after  a  long  contiimed  flux,  and  afterwards  a  fevour  with  it. 
Interred  in  my  grandfather  Hull's  tomb;  Monday  evening,  August  25th. 
li«-arers,  William  Cooper  and  Col.  John  Appleton's  second  son.  Gave  nurse 
Davis,  Doctf>r  Whear,  (Jalusha,  3s  each  to  buy  them  gloves.  Gave  at  Govr". 
maid  Marj-,  Betty  Bril,  two  and  sixjience  each;  gave  Sarah  Davis  and  lieck, 
Sarah  Cummings  and  Kitty  Hill,  two  and  sixpence  each.  Coffin,  10  plates 
and  making. 

"January  22  1711-15  went  to  Boston,  intending  to  live  at  ray  father's 
antill  I  could  find  better  treatm«*nt  in  my  own.  Lived  at  Ik)8ton  till  -Marcl 
3,  1717-18,  at  which  time  I  returned  home. 

"  1717.  July  22,  my  wife  came  to  see  me  at  my  father's  and  confesseth 


XXVm  INTRODUCTION. 

V.  Mary,«  b.  20  July,  1711 ;  d.  24  Aug.,  1712. 
18.     vi.  Henry,«  b.  8  March,  1719-20. 

vii.  John,6  ^  9  j^^^.-^^^  1723.  ^^  19  ^^g.^  1724. 

her  faults,  with  tears,  with  promises  of  amendment.     The  Lord  instruct  me 
in  my  duty  and  give  me  a  heart  to  perform  it. 

"  1717-18  March  3  Returned  to  live  at  Brooklin.  The  Lord  give  me  a 
heart  and  ability  to  doe  my  duty  to  my  wife,  and  make  us  mutual  blessings 
each  to  other." 

1719.  October  21st,  his  daughter  Hannah  died.  There  is  a  copy  of  a 
letter  to  his  father  about  it,  which  we  do  not  transcribe.  She  had  been  sick 
with  a  cold  and  fever  for  some  ten  days.  Funeral  at  Boston,  October  24th; 
buried  in  Hull's  tomb.     She  was  the  only  child  at  that  time. 

"  [1719-20.]  March  8th.  My  wife  brought  me  a  lusty  boy  betwixt  six 
and  seven  at  night,  she  being  very  weak  and  ill  the  most  of  the  time.  Did 
not  carry  him  forth  to  be  baptized  till  the  20th  instant,  by  reason  his  mother 
was  so  very  ill  and  weak.  Mr  Allen  baptized  him  Henry  for  my  grandfather 
Sewall's  sake.  My  wife  was  desirous  of  having  it  named  Dudley,  but  her 
relations  were  very  averse  to  it.  Madam  Dudley,  March  19th,  told  me  at 
Roxbury,  that  there  were  two  sons  and  they  were  young  enough  to  have  a 
great  many  children ;  the  Gov'.'.^  father  had  children  when  he  was  old.  I  told 
her  I  had  no  design  to  gett  any  thing  by  it,  for  I  had  names  of  my  own  rela- 
tions enough  to  name  it,  and  I  would  not  do  any  thing  to  trouble  them. 
Brother  Col.  W™  Dudley  sent  a  letter  to  my  wife  which  disturbed  her  very 
much,  and  made  her  so  ill  that  she  could  not  rest  for  3  nights." 

"  April  9th,  1723,  my  wife  brought  me  a  son  about  2  houres  before  day. 
14th,  the  Rev?  Mr  James  Allen  of  Brooklin  baptized  him  John;  his  name 
being  for  my  grandfather  Hull. 

"  1724  August  18th.  Mrs  Ruggles  sends  her  daughter  to  acquaint  us,  that 
our  son  John  had  a  flux  and  vomited.  As  we  went  to  Boston,  we  called  to 
see  him,  he  being  considerable  ill.  As  we  goe  by  Dr  Tompson's  we  asked 
for  him  and  he  was  not  at  home.  Call  as  we  came  back  and  take  the  Dr. 
with  us.  The  Dr.  did  not  perceive  any  danger,  but  we  thought  he  was 
better,  and  so  left  him  and  went  home. 

"August  19th,  being  a  very  stormy,  rainy  morning,  it  having  rained 
abundance  in  the  night  and  continuing  stormy  with  a  great  deal  of  rain, 
INIrs.  Ruggles'  son  came  to  acquaint  us,  early  in  the  morning,  that  the  child 
had  been  very  bad  all  night.  Matthew  carried  my  wife  forthwith  in  the 
calash,  and  by  the  time  she  could  gett  into  the  house  he  fetched  his  last 
breath  and  died.  Mrs.  Woods  laid  him  out,  who  watched  with  him  the 
night  before.  20th,  Mr.  Craft  and  Matthew  put  him  in  his  coffin,  and  in  the 
evening  Matthew  carried  it  in  my  calash  to  Boston. 

"August  21st,  went  with  wife  and  Henry  to  the  funeral.  Four  young 
gentlemen  carried  him  to  the  tomb  with  napkins,  viz  Mr  Addington  Daven- 
port, jun'.  Mr.  Ebenezer  Pemberton,  Mr  Edmund  Quincey,  and  Mr  Samuel 
Mather,  son  of  Dr.  C.  Mather.  Gave  them  rings  and  gloves.  Gave  Mrs. 
Allen,  Mrs.  Rugles  son  and  daughter,  and  Matthew,  a  pair  of  gloves.  A 
large  funeral  for  a  child.     Put  his  coffin  upon  my  sister  Hannah's  in  grand- 


INTRODUCTION.  XXIX 

Tie  dit^l  27  Fob.,  1750-.51,  of  muni*  palsy;  liis  widow  d.  11  April, 
ITtil.  As  his  bruiu'h  expired  so  soou  in  the  male  line,  wr  will  lini.sli 
that  |)oriion  at  once. 

18.  Henry*  Skwai.i..  oi  Hro(.kline,  11.  C.  1 738,  married  18  Ang.,  1713, 
Ann  While,  and  had:  — 

i.   Hull,"  b.  9  April,  1744:   H.  C.  17G1,  m.  20  March, 
I7()r),  Abig;ail  Sparhawk,  and  d.  s.p.  '11  Nov.,  17G7. 
His  widow  m.  Palsgrave  Wellington, 
ii.  Sanmel,"   b.  31    Dec,    174');   H.  C.    17()1,  lawyer  in 
Boston,  a  loyalist;  went  to    Kngland   :iiid  d.  unm., 
G  May,  1811. 
iii.  Kebeecii,"  b.  19  Oct.,  1747;  d.  29  Nov.,  1747. 
iv.   Henry,"  b.  19  Jan.,  1749;  d.  17  Oct.,  1772.  nnm. 
V.   Hannah,^  b.  2  Sept.,  1751  ;  m.  P2dward  K.  Wolcott. 
Henry   Sewall  died  29   May,  1771  ;  his  wife  d.  5  Jan.,  1755,  in  her 
32d  year. 

Hannah^  Sewall  (daughter  of  Henry)  married  Edward  Kitchin  Wol- 
cott, and  had :  — 

Samuel,'  ;  died  unmarried. 

Hannah,'  m.  |  ^  ^^j^^^ 

Ann,«b.  4  Sept,  1778. 

Daughter,'         m.  Barber,  and  had  no  children. 

Rebecca,'         m.  Adams,  and  had  a  son  and  a 

daughter. 
Mrs.  Wolcott's  obituary  is  in  Boston  Advertiser,  27  Aug.,  1832. 

Ann  '  W^OLCOTT,  above  named,  married  Philip  Reynolds   Ridgway,  6 
Dec,  1801,  and  had:  — 

Philip  R.,«  b.  26  Aug.,  1802;  d.  10  Nov..  1803. 
Samuel  S.,»  b.  29  Oct.,  1803  ;  d.  8  May,  1871. 
Philip  R..»  b.  29  Nov.,  1804;   d.  4  Dec,  1831. 
Edward  W.,»b.  15  Sept.,  1805;  d.  24  Sept.,  1805. 
John  W.,*  b.  17  Feb.,  1807;  d.  24  Sept.,  1804. 
Ann  S.,»  b.  14  Feb.,  1808;  m.  Dr.  Daniel  Gilbert. 
Henry  W.,»  b.  20  April,  1H09;  d.  16  April,  1859. 
Edward  W.,»  b.  6  Julv,  1«10. 
Sarah,*  b.  24  Auir..  1«14;  d.  25  Sept.,  1814. 
Sarah  A.,»  b.  10  .Jan.,  1816;  d.  19  Feb.,  1817. 
Joseph  C.,»  b.  8  Nov.,  1816;  d.  22  March,  1819. 
Anthony  B.,»  b.  9  March,  1819;  d.  19  Oct.,  1806. 

father  HuH'b  tr>mb,  whose  name  he  bore.  I  asked  brother  Cooper  to  goe  to 
prayer  after  the  funeral.  Son  John  bad  Beverall  couvuUive  fitt^  nnd,  as  I 
am  informed,  died  in  one. 

"  Monday,  July  lOlh,  1727.  Moved  with  my  family  to  BoHtr)n.  iiired  a 
bouite  in  Deacon  William.H'8  Court,  next  hoa**©  to  Deacon  Williaraa.  N.  Gates 
and  N.  Gleasoo  briujpng  my  boosebuld  stuff."  —  Eds. 


XXX  INTRODUCTION. 


SEWALL  LINE   RESUMED. 

15.  Rev.  Juseph^  Sewall,  H.  C.  1707,  was  minister  at  the  Old  South 
Church,  Boston.  He  married  29  Oct.,  1713,  Elizabeth,  daughter 
of  Hon.  John  Walley,*  and  had :  — 

19.  Samuel,^  b.  2  May,  1715. 

Joseph,'^  b.  13  July,  1719  ;  d.  18  Aug.,  1719. 
He  died  27  June,  1769 ;  his  wife  died  27  Oct.,  1756. 

19.  Samuel^  Sewall,  of  Boston,  H.   C.   1733,  was  a  merchant.     He 

married   18  May,  1749,  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Edmund  Quincy, 
and  had :  — 

i.  Elizabeth,'  b.  12  March,  1750  ;  m.  Samuel  Salisbury. 

See  later, 
ii.   Hannah,'  b.  15  March,  1753;  m.  James  Hill.     See 

later, 
iii.  Sarah',  b.  14  Jan.,  1756;  d.  unm.,  14  Sept.,  1780. 

20.  iv.  Samuel,'  b.  11  Dec,  1757. 

V.  Dorothy,'  b.  23  Dec,  1758;   m.  Joseph  May.     See 

later, 
vi.  Katherine,'  b.  5  June,  1760 ;  m.  Henry  Gallison,  and 

had  John,«  b.  24  Oct.,  1788  ;  d.  24  Dec,  1820. 

21.  vii.  Joseph,'  b.  9  March,  1762. 

He  died  19  Jan.,  1771 ;  his  wife  died  15  Feb.,  1770. 

20.  Samuel'  Sewali  ,  of  Marblehead,  H.  C.  1776,  Judge  of  Supreme 

Court,  1800  ;  Chief  Justice,  1814^  m.,  8  Dec,  1781,  Abigail  Dev- 
ereux,  and  had :  — 

22.  i.  Samuel,^  b.  1  June,  1785. 

23.  ii.  Henry  Devereux,^  b.  21  Aug.,  1786. 

iii.  Joseph  H.,  b.  5  Oct.,  1788;  d.  17  Feb.  1795. 
iv.  Lydia  Maria,^  b.  14  April,  1791 ;  m.  Samuel  Greele. 
V.  Anne    Henchman,^  b.  18    March,  1793  ;    d.  6  Feb., 

1848. 
vi.  Joseph  Henchman,^  b.  6  Feb.,  1795  ;  d.  unm.,  26  Sept., 

1813. 

24.  vii.  Edmund  Quincy ,«  b.  1  Oct.,  1796. 

viii.  Elizabeth  Quincy,^  b.  10  June,  1798 ;  m.  Thomas  R. 
Sewall. 

*  Extracts  from  Diary  of  Samuel  Sewall,  Jr. :  — 

"  Thursday,  29th  of  October,  1713,  was  celebrated  the  marriage  betwixt 
Mr.  Joseph  Sewall  and  Mrs  Elizabeth  Walley,  daughter  to  Judge  Walley, 
esqre,  deceased.  Gave  my  wife  and  daughter  Hannah  with  myself,  gloves. 
Mr.  Pemberton  married  them. 

"  May  2,  1715.  Sister  Sewall  at  3  in  the  morning  was  brought  to  bed  of 
a  stately  son.     81''  inst.  brother  baptized  him  Samuel. 

"  1719,  July  13th,  sister  brought  to  bed  of  a  son,  called  him  Joseph. 

*'  August  19th.  My  wife  and  I  went  to  the  burial  of  my  brother  Sewall'a 
son,  Joseph.     Dyed  18th  instant  in  the  morning."  — Eds. 


IXTRODUCTIOy 


xxx 


21 


25.     ii.   Oiarles  Chauncy,"  b.  10  May,  1802. 
He  die<l  8  June,  1814;  his  widow  died  22  Feb.,  1817. 

JosK.rir  Skwall,  of  Hoston,  was  Slate  Trcasunr  Iroin  1827  to 
1832.  He  marrit'<l  Mary,  daughter  of  Tlionias  and  Mary  Kobie, 
21  Sept.,  1788,  and  had:* — 

i.  Mary,**  b.  1  July.  1780;  d.  unm.,  21  April 


181G. 


26. 


11. 
iii. 
iv. 

V. 

vi. 

vii. 

viii. 

ix. 

X. 


Kli/abi'tli,  b.  i>  April,  171U 


17D1 


Feb.,  1797. 


d.  Sept., 
Thomas  Hobie.^  b.  2:>  .July,  171)2. 
Joseph,!..  7  July,  171)4;  d.  2  Sept.,  1797. 
Klizabeth  Q.,  b.'       June,  179r,;  d. 
Joseph,  b.  24  Dec,  1797;  d.  20  Sept.,  1800. 
Samuel  Edmund,'*  b.  9  Nov.,  1799. 
Edward   IJradstreet,*  b.  24  Sept.,  1801;  d.  unm.,  12 

Sept.,  1827. 
Martha  lligginson,  b.  1 1  Dec,  1803  ;  d.  unm.,  12  Dec, 

1832. 
Elizal>eth  Salisbury,  b.  20  Dec  1804 ;  d.  unm.,  2  Sept., 
1827. 

xi.  Frances  R.,  b.  17  Nov.,  1807;  d.  30  June,  1830. 
He  died  5  May,  1800;  his  wife  d.  23  July,  1834,  aged  70. 

22.  Rev.  Samuel^  Sewall,  of  Burlington,  Mass.,  married,  1  Jan.,  1818, 
Martha,  dau^jhter  of  Rev.  John  Marrett,  and  liad :  — 
28. 


i.  Samuel,"  b.  29  Nov.,  1819. 
ii.  Martha  M.,»  b.  31   Oct.,  1823 

Luther  P.  Martin, 
iii.  Abigail  D.,»  b.  7  Sept.,  1830. 


m.,  26  Nov.,  1861, 


He  died  18  Feb.,  1868. 

23.  Hlxrv  Devereux'  Sewall,  of  Watertown,  N.  Y.,  married  Mary 

C.  Norton,  22  Jan.,  1816,  and  had:  — 

29.  i.   Ilenrv  F..»  b.  31  Oct.,  1816. 

ii.   Frederick  N.,*  b.  24  Sept.,  1818;  d.  8  Nov.,  1819. 
iii.  Mary,*  b.  lo  Julv,  1820;  m.  Charles  Goodale. 

30.  iv.  John  G.,*  b.  2  Nov.,  1822. 

V.  Ann  Elizabeth,"  b.  4  Aug.,  1824  ;  m.  Talcott  H.  Camp. 

31.  vi.  Edmund  Q.,*  b.  1  Julv,  1826. 

vii.  Grace,"  b.  4  Oct.,  1828;  d.  6  Jan.,  1837. 
viii.   Frank  D.,"  b.  '!'>  Feb.,  1833;  d.  \')  Nov.,  1852. 

32.  ix.   Walter  D.,"  b.  28  Aug.,  1837. 
He  died  8  June,  1846;  his  wife  d.  30  Dec,  1840. 

24.  Rev.  Eimi-XD  Qiincy"  Sewall,  of  Rarnstable,  Mass.,  Amherst, 

N.   H.,  and    Scituate,  Mass.,   married,  23    Aug.,   1820,   Caroline 
Ward,  and  had  :  — 

i.  Ellen  Devereux,'  b.  10  March,  1822;  m.  Rev.  Joseph 
Osgood.  • 

•  Married  20  May,  1844.  Children:  Caroline  W.  OsgrKKl,*^  Klizab.th," 
Joseph  O.,"  Edmund  Q.,»»  George, >«  Ellen  D.,"  Mary  F.,"  William  S.," 
Frances  P.,  *•  and  Louisa  L."  Of  these  Joseph  O.  Osgood  is  married  and 
has  issue.  —  Eds. 


XXXll  INTRODUCTION. 

83.      ii.  Edmund  Qumcy,^  b.  29  Feb.,  1828. 

34.  iii.  George  Ward,«  b.  7  Feb.,  1834. 

He  died  15  Sept.,  1866;  his  widow  died  8  Dec,  1867. 

25.  Rev.  Charles    Chauncy^    Sewall,   of   Danvers   and   Medfield, 

married  Amy,  daughter  of  William  Peters,  Esq.,  in  Medfield, 
1  Oct.,  1823.  Mrs.  Sewall  died  in  Medfield,  15  Aug.,  1872. 
Their  children  were  :  — 

i.  Mary  Abigail,^  b.  4  Oct.,  1825  ;  d.  4  Oct.,  1829. 
ii.  Elisabeth  Salisbury,^  b.  10  Aug.,  1827. 
iii.  Mary  Abigail,^  b.  4  Oct.,  1829. 
iv.  Rebecca  Phillips,^  b.  29  Feb.,  1831 ;  d.  20  May,  1855. 

35.  V.  Charles  Chauncy,^  b.  24  May,  1834;  m.  Mary  Fair- 

banks,^  in  Medfield,  25  Nov.,  1859. 
vi.  Ellen  Frances,^  b.  28  May,  1836;  d.  19  Jan.,  1858. 
vii.  William  Peters,^  b.  6  Oct.,  1839;  d.  17  Nov.,  1860. 
viii.  Edward  Upham,^  b.  3  March,  1843. 
ix.  Alice  Orne,^  b.  29  March,  1847. 
X.  Henry  Devereux,^  b.  3  July,  1850. 

26.  Thomas  Robie^  Sewall,  of  Boston,  broker,  married,  Feb.,  1825, 

his  cousin  Elizabeth  Quincy  ^  Sewall,  and  had :  — 

36.  i.  Joseph  S.,^  b.  2Q  May,  1827. 
ii.  Mary  R.,»  b.  14  March,  1829. 

iii.  Edward  B.,»  b.  26  Dec,  1830;  d.  18  Jan.,  1837. 
iv.  Francis  E.,^  b.  21  Feb.,  1834;  d.  20  AprH,  1857. 
He  died  30  Sept.,  1864;  his  wife  died  19  June,  1848. 

27.  Samuel  Edmund  ^  Sewall,  of  Boston,  lawyer,  married,  8  June, 

1836,  Louisa  M.,  daughter  of  Nathan  Winslow,  and  had:  — 
i.  Lucy  E.,^  b.  26  April,  1837. 

ii.  Louisa  W.,^  b.  3  June,  1846  ;  m.  Edward  C.  Cabot, 
and  has  issue. 
His  wife  dying  4  Nov.,  I»o0,  he  married  secondly  Harriet,  daughter  of 
Nathan  Winslow,  18  June,  1857,  by  whom  he  has  no  children. 

28.  Samuel^  Sewall,  of  Burlington,  Mass.,  married,  21  March,  1844, 

Elizabeth  Brown,  and  had:  — 

i.  Samuel  B.,^'^  b.  17  Aug.,  1846,  who  m.  Louisa  E.  Far- 
rinsjton,  and  has  :  — 

Nellie  L.,"  b.  8  April,  1873. 
Samuel  F.,"  b.  6  Feb.,  1875. 
John  M.,11  b.  2  Sept.,  1877. 
ii.  Martha  E.,i°  b.  18  May,  1858. 

29.  Henry  Foster^  Sewall,  of  New  York,  married,  20  Sept.,  1843, 

Sarah  Allyne  Rich,  and  had :  — 

i.  Mary  N.,i<^  b.  21  July,  1844;  d.  17  Sept.,  1845. 

ii.  Henry  D.,io  b.  24  July,  1846. 
iii.  Charles  J.,i°  b.  9  Aug.,  1849. 
iv.  Samuel,!*^  b.  25  Jan.,  1853;  d.  31  Jan.,  1854. 

V.  Dora  M.,i^  b.  13  Jan.,  1855. 


INTRODUCTION. 


XXXlll 


80.  John  Gallison  •  Sewall,  of  New  York,  marriod  Joanna  White 
Gannett,  23  Juno,  18')3  (who  died  18  Jan.,  1874)  and  had : — 
i.  Frank,'^  h.  14  April,  18')4;  d.  14  Ai)ril,  18.V4. 
ii.  AViiliam  G.,^^  I).  22  Jan.,  18r>G. 
iii.  John,»°  b.  17  Jan.,  18")8;  d.  20  Jan.,  18G1. 
iv.  Katheriue,^°  b.  31  Aug.,  18G3. 


31.  Edmund  Quinct*  Sewall,  of  Watertown,  N.  Y 
Cynthia  Smith,  28  June,  1806,  and  had:  — 
i.  Grace  F.,^*^  b.  IG  .lune,  18G7. 
ii.  Katherine  E.  N.,^°  b.  24  Au^r.,  1870. 
iii.  Josepliine  D.,^°  b.  14  Oct.,  1875. 


married   Kate 


32.  Walter    Devereux'    Sewall,  of   Watertown,   N.   Y.,   married 

Ellen  Carina  Houghton,  6  iSIay,  1875,  and  has  no  children. 

33.  Edmund  Q.*  Sewall,  of  St.  Paul,  Minn.,  married  Louisa  K.  Lov- 

ett,  27  2sov.,  1852,  and  had  :  — 

i.  Theodore  L..^^^  b.  20  Sept.,  1853. 
ii.  Edmund  D.,^°  b.  12  April,  1855. 
iii.  Caroline  ^y.^^  b.  28  Nov.,  1860. 
iv.  Samuel  L.,^"  b.  27  June,  1862. 
V.  Frederick  F.,i°  b.  7  Jan.,  1867. 
vi.  George  Q.,^^  b.  27  April,  1868;  d.  18  Dec,  1869. 
vii.  Louise  L.,"  b.  16  Oct.,  1871. 

84.  George  W.'  Sewall,  of  married  Mary  F.  Cottingham, 

17  Jan.,  1872.  and  had:  — 

i.  George  C.,^°  b.  1  July,  1873 ;  d.  26  Sept.,  1873. 
ii.  Alfred  C.,^^  b.  IC  Jan.,  1875. 
Mr.  Sewall  is  at  present  attached  to  the  U.  S.  Survey. 

35.  Charles  Chacnct  Sewall,  Jr.,*  of  Medfield,  married  Mary  Fair- 
banks, 25  Nov.,  1859,  and  had  :  — 

i.   Frank.^<>b.  10  June,  1862. 
ii.  Lily,^°  b.  24  Oct.,  18C3  ;  d.  7  Nov.,  1863. 
iii.  Amy  P.,^<>  b.  20  Aug.,  18G5. 
iv.  Mary,»<>b.  31  Jan.,  1868. 


86.  Joseph  Sewall  •  Sewall,  married,  20  Dec,  1860,  Mary-Vashon, 
daughter  of  Elizur  Wright,  of  Medford,  and  had :  — 
i.  Hannah  K.,"  b.  22  Oct.,  1861. 
ii.  Susan  W.,»°  b.  4  Nov.,  1862. 
iu.  Elizabeth  Q.,"  b.  5  July,  1865. 
iv.  Mary  F.,"  b.  20  Feb.,  1867. 
V.  Margaret  L.,»«  b.  5  June,  1868. 


XXXIV  INTKODUCTION. 


Descendants  in  the  female  lines  from  Rev.  Joseph  SewalL 

Hannah'  Sewall  (daughter  of  Samuel^  No.  19)  married  James  Hill, 
and  had :  — 

James,  b.  1  March,  1772. 

Samuel  S.,  b.  13  Feb.,  1774;  d.  25  Dec,  1775. 
Margaret  F.,  b.  12  Aug.,  1775  ;  d.  28  Feb.,  1833. 
Joseph  S.,  b.  2  March,  1777 ;  d.  8  Aug.,  1788. 
Sewall,  b.  20  March,  1779  ;  d.  26  Aug.,  1833. 
Samuel,  b.  8  Dec,  1780. 
Joseph,  b.  1  Jan.,  1783 ;  d.  19  Feb.,  1809. 
Richard  S.,  b.  15  Sept.,  1785. 
William  R.,  b.  9  Nov.,  1787 ;  d.  19  Oct.,  1788. 
William  R.,  b.  20  Sept.,  1790;  d.  8  Oct.,  1792. 
He  died  19  June,  1824;  his  widow  d.  24  July,  1827. 


SALISBURY  DESCENDANTS. 

Elizabeth'  Sewall  (daughter  of  Samuel,®  No.  19)  married  Samuel 
Salisbury,  of  Boston,  29  Sept.,  1768,  and  had:  — 

i.  Samuel,^  b.  13  Aug.,  1769;  m.  1st,  Elizabeth   Green 
May,  1802,  and  had:  — 

Samuel,®  b.  5  March,  1803;  m.  Maria  Morgan. 
He  m.  2d,  Nancy   Gardner,  18  July,  1806,  and  had 
seven  children  ;  viz.,  — 

Elizabeth   S.,®  b.  5  July,  1807;    m.  Nathaniel 

Chauncy. 
Ann  G.® 

Sarah,®  m.  Elbridge  G.  Austin. 
Stephen,®  b.   12   Sept.,  1812;   m.  Elizabeth  P. 

Clark. 
Francis  G.,®  d.  young. 
Rebecca.® 
Daniel  W.® 
ii.  Martha,^  b.  14  March,  1771 ;  m.,  Aug.,  1794,  Stephen 
Higginson,  and  had :  — 

Elizabeth  S,®  m.  Rev.  Reuel  Keith. 
Martha  S,®  m.  Rev.  I.  Nichols. 
iii.  Elizabeth,^  b.  15  Aug.,  1772;  m.  John  Leverett,  and 
had  issue,  seven  children.     See  Leverett  Memorial, 
p.  156. 
iv.  Rebecca   Waldo,^  b.  15   Aug.,  1776;   m.,  30  Sept., 
1805,  Jonathan    Phillips,    of    Boston,    and   d.    13 
March,  1828.     Their  only  surviving  child  was  Wil- 
liam® Phillips,  b.  11  Jan.,  1819,  who  died  8  April, 
1873,  leaving  a  vast  property  to  a  distant  cousin,  the 
heir  male  of  the  name. 
V.  Stephen,^  b.  27  Feb.,  1778;  d.  16  Dec,  1786. 
vi.  Joseph  Sewall,^  b.  1  Nov.,  1779;  d.  9  Dec,  1779. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXXV 

▼ii.  Josiah,'  b.   15  Feb.,  1781;   II.  C.  1798,  m.  Ahi^rail, 
daiiijlitor  of  Jiulire  Snmnol  Hroose,  and  liad  :  — 
Kli/alH'tli  .M.;«  1).  ;U)  Nov.,  1812,  m.  TIicmIoic  1). 

Woolsey,  of  Yale  C'olK'ijc. 
Kdmmul  E.,*  I).  ()  A|)ril.  IHll;  m.  1st,  his  roiisin 
Abigail   S.  Phillips,  27  April,  l.s.JO;  2(1,  Eve- 
lyn McCunly,  2;J  Nov.,  1M71. 
Tiii.  Sarah,"  b.  19  Nov.,  1782  ;  in.  Jolm  Tappaii,  of  Boston, 
and  had : — 

John  G.,»  b.  5  Feb.,  1808;  m.  Eliza  L.  Tiask. 
Sanniel  S.,»  b.  2  Sept.,  1809  ;  m.  Eveline  .Stearns. 
Sarah  S.,'  b.  1  March.  1811  ;  m.  Thomas  Denny. 
Kebecca  W.,*  b.   o   Nov.,   1812;    m.  Henry  E. 

Da  vies. 
Lewis  W.,»  b.  3  Ang.,  1814;  m.  Marv  C.  Swift. 
Marv  S.,*b.  3  April,  181G;  m.  James  \V.  Kimball. 
Francis  W.,»  b.  29  Dec,  1817  ;  m.  Laura  B.  De 

Fevster. 
Elizabeth  S.,»  b.  28  May.  1819. 
Lucv  P.,'  b.  8  April,  1^21  ;  d.  13  Aug.,  1839. 
IlenVv  E.,»  b.  Julv,  1823  ;  d.  1823. 

HenrV  M.,^  b.  Jufv,  1825;  d.  1825. 

Josiah  S.,»  b.  20  Jan.,  1836;  m.  Helen  De  Pey- 
ster. 
ix.  Abby,^  b.  14  May.  1785  ;  ra.  Aaron  P.  Cleaveland,  of 
Boston,  and  had  :  — 

Stephen  II.,»  b.  23  March,  1811  ;  m.  Rebecca  B. 

Vose. 
Rebecca    S.,«   b.    17    Feb.,    1814;    m.    p:dward 
McLellan. 
X.  Mary,*  b.  18  May,  1787  ;  m.  Edward  Phillips  (brother 
of   her  sister's  husband)  and    left  only  one  child, 
Abigail    S.,*  b.  3  Nov.,  1814,  who  m.  her  cousin 
Edward  E.  Salisbury. 

Dorothy^  Sewall  (daughter  of  Samuel,' No.  19)  married,  28  Dec, 
1784,  Joseph  May,  of  lioston,  and  had:  — 

i.  Charles,*  b.  2  Nov.,  1785;  d.  16  April,  1786. 
ii.  Catherine,*  b.   30   Dec,   178G;    m.,   10   Ajjril,  1808, 
Charles  W.'  Windship,  and  had  Charles  M.,  b.  23 
March,  1809. 
iii.  diaries,"  b.  19  March,  1788;  m.,  1845,  Caroline  M. 

Gove;  d.  21  March.  1856. 
iv.  Louisa,"  b.  1 1  Sept.,  1789  ;  m.  Samuel  Greele,  19  Oct., 
1823,  and  had:  — 

Samuel  S.,»  b.  11  Oct.,  1824. 
L<3uisa  M.,»  b.  1  Jan.,  1827. 
V.  Eliza  S.,"  b.  23  I>ec.,  1790;  d.  21  Oct.,  1791. 
vL  Louisa,"  b.  31  Dec.  1792;  d.  14  Nov.,  1828. 
vii.  Samuel  J.,"  b.  10  Aug.,  1794;  d.  28  Dec,  1795. 
viii.  Edwanl,"  b.  26  Aug.,  1795;  d.  29  April,  1802. 
ix.  Samuel  J.,"  b.  2o  Oct.,  1790;  d.  17  Sept.,  1797. 


XXXVl  INTRODUCTION". 

X.  Samuel  J.,^  b.  12  Sept.,  1797. 

xi.  Elizabeth  S.,^  b.  5  Dec,  1798;  m.  Hamilton  Willis, 
and  had :  — 

Hamilton,®  b.  10  Aug.,   1818 ;    m.   Louisa  M., 
daughter   of    C.    W.  Windship   by   a   second 
wife. 
Elizabeth  S.« 
xii.  Abigail,^  b.  8  Oct.,  1800 ;  m.  A.  Bronson  Alcott,  and 
had:  — 
Anna  B.® 
Louisa  M.® 
Elizabeth  P.» 
Abby  M.9 
He  died  27  Feb.,  1841 ;  his  wife  died  31  Oct.,  1825. 


Samuel  J.^  Mat,  of  Boston,  married,  1  June,  1825,  Lucretia  F.  Coffin, 
and  had :  — 

Joseph,®  b.  27  June,  1827;  d.  12  Dec,  1828. 
John  E.,®  b.  7  Oct.,  1829. 
Charlotte  C.,»  b.  24  April,  1833. 
Joseph,®  b.  21  Jan.,  1836. 
George  E.,®  b.  25  Sept.,  1844. 


We  will  now  return  to  the  issue  of  tbe  daughters  of  Judge 
Sewall  who  married. 

HIRST  LINE. 

14.  Elizabeth^  Sewall  (daughter of  Judge  Samuel)  married,  17  Oct., 
1700,  Grove  Hirst,  of  Boston,*  and  had:  — 

*  Extracts  from  notes  of  Samuel  Sewall,  Jr. :  — 

"October  17,  1700    Mr  Grove  Hirst  was  married  to  Mrs  Elizabeth  Se- 
wall by  Mr  Cotton  Mather. 

"  November  28,  1702    sister  Hirst  brought  to  bed  at  Salem    dead  bom. 
"  Jan'y  31,  1703-4    Mary  Hirst  born. 
''June  22,  1727     Hannah  Hirst  married  to  Mr  N".  Balston. 
"  May  9,  1728     Mr  C.  Chauncy  married  to  Mrs.  Eliz.  Hirst. 
"Thursday  April  9th,  1713,  went  to  Boston  to  the  burial  of  brother 
Hirst's  son  William,  about  9  months  old.    Sent  my  wife  and  I  gloves.   Dyed 
the  6th  instant,  about  10  at  night. 

"  August  5th  1714.     My  sister  Hirst  was  brought  to  bed  of  a  son;  named 
it  William  for  its  father  Hirst's  sake. 

"  13th  March  1714-15.     Brother  Hirst's  son  William  (the  second  son  of 
that  name)  dyed  about  eight  at  night,  being  7  months  old.     Buried  the 


INTRODUCTION.  XXXVll 

i.  Still-born,  28  Nov.,  170a 

ii.  Mary,  b.  31  Jan.,  1703-4;  m.  Sir  Wm.  Pepperrell. 
iii.  Samuel,  b.  23  Oct.,  1705. 

iv.   Klizubetli,  b.  20  Oct.,  17(>G  ;  m.  Kev.  C'luirlcs  Cliauncj. 
V.   Hannah,  b.  4  May,  1708;  m.  Nathaniil  IJalsion. 
vi.  .lane,  b.  4  Sept.,  1709;  m.  Addin'^ton  Davenport,  Jr. 
vii.  William,  b.  9  July,  1712;  d.  G  April,  1713. 
viii.  William,  b.  5  An^'.,  1714;  d.  13  March,  1714-15. 
He  died  28  Oct,  1717  ;  his  wife  died  11  July,  1716. 
The  only  son,  Samuel,  died  suddenly,  14  Jan.,  172G-27.    See  Prince's 
sermon. 

Jan.  18,  1730  (Suff.  Deeds,  lib.  45,  f.  79),  there  was  a  division  of  the 
Hull  property  among  the  Sewall  heirs.  It  was  then  noted  that  the  only 
issue  of  Elizabeth  Hirst  were  her  four  daughters ;  viz. :  Mary,  wife  of 
William  Pepperrell ;  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Rev.  Charles  Chauncy  ;  Hannah, 
wife  of  Nathaniel  Balston ;  and  Jane,  wife  of  Addingtou  Davenport. 

Of  their  descendants  we  will  speak  briefly. 

L  William  Pepperrell  was  the  famous  baronet,  who  left  an  only  daugn- 
ter,  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Nathaniel  Sparhawk.  For  a  record  of  nu- 
merous descendants,  see  Usher  Parsons's  Life  of  Pepperrell. 
II.  Rev.  Charles  Chauncy,  D.  D.,  minister  of  the  first  church  in  Boston, 
had  three  wives.  The  first  wife  was  Elizabeth  Hirst,  by  whom 
he  had  one  son,  Charles,  and  two  daughters,  one  of  whom,  Eliza- 
beth, married  Benjamin  Greenleaf,  and  had  issue.  For  a  full 
record  of  the  descendants,  see  the  Chauncy  Memorials ;  the  list 
comprises  many  well-known  names ;  among  them.  Gen.  Fitz-John 
Porter. 

16th  inst.  in  grandfather  Hull's  tomb.  Gave  my  wife  and  I  gloves.  My 
wife  not  come  to  the  funeral. 

*' July  11,  1716.  Last  night  at  12  a  clock,  dyes  my  dear  sister  Hirst, 
after  a  long  sickness  and  languishment.  13th  inst.  interred  in  grandfather's 
tomb;  being  in  her  35th  year. 

*'  1717,  October  28.  between  3  and  4  in  the  morning  dies  my  dear 
brother,  Grove  Hirst,  esq^  being  taken  of  a  violent  fevour  just  after  my 
mother's  death. 

"  Fc'bruary  21st,  1722-23.  At  night  betwixt  7  and  8,  was  married 
per  Father  Sewall,  couz.  Mary  Hirst  to  Capt.  W"  Pepperrell  of  Kittery. 
B[rother8]  Sewall  and  Cooper  prayed,  one  before  and  the  other  after  the 
wedding.     Wife  and  I  present,  with  little  Henry.     Gave  us  gloves. 

**  January  14th,  1726-7,  Samuel  Hirst  dies,  suddenly  on  the  Long  Wharff. 
See  News  Letter,  Weekly  News  Letter,  No  3;  See  sermons  print<*d.  18th, 
baried  in  grandfather  Hull's  tomb;  pall  bearers,  Balston,  WeUteed,  Fellow; 
Mr  Chauncy,  minister,  Mr  Andrew  Oliver,  Mr  T.  Cooper  and  Mr  Palmer. 
Gave  us  rings  and  gloves. 

*' June  22d,  1727.  Couz.  Hannah  Hirst  married  to  Mr  Nathaniel  Bal- 
ston by  her  grandfather,  at  her  unkle  J.  Sewall's.     Gave  us  gloves."  —  Eds* 


XXXVUl  INTRODUCTION. 

III.  Addington   Davenport,  Jr.,  H.  C.  1719,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church, 

married,  23  Dec,  1729,  Jane  Hirst  for  his  first  wife.  Their 
children  were :  — 

Addington,  b.  1731  ;  m.  Ann  ;  d.  24  Feb.,  1761. 

Jane,  b.  1733  ;  m.  Benjamin  Faneuil,  Jr.,  a  refugee. 

Elizabeth,  b.  ;   m.,  17  Sept.,  1751,  Nathaniel  Lloyd; 

and  2nd,  Nathaniel  Hatch,  4  Aug.,  1755. 
Jane  (Hirst)  Davenport  died  prior  to  1738. 

IV.  Nathaniel  Balstone,  of  Boston,  was  son  of  Captain  Nathaniel  Bal- 

stone,  by  his  second  wife,  Rebecca,  and  was  grandson  of  Jonathan 
Balston,  merchant.  He  was  born  6  Sept.,  1691,  married  Hannah 
Hirst  22  June,  1727,  and  was  living  28  April,  1796  (SujBE.  Deeds, 
lib.  78,  f.  142),  when  he  and  wife  Hannah  sold  Hull  lands  on 
Beacon  hill. 

I  find  record  of  only  two  children,  viz.:  Hannah,  b.  2  Oct.,  1730  ; 
Nathaniel  Balstone,  who,  with  wife  Eunice  (Nathaniel  Balstone, 
and  Mrs.  Eunice  Brown,  of  Salem,  were  pub.  23  July.  1751,  at 
Boston),  sell,  7  July,  1770,  Sewall  lands;  and  Mary  Thornton, 
called  sister  by  Nathaniel  in  his  will,  proved  30  April,  1773  (Suff. 
Wills,  lib.  72,  f.  538),  when  he  gives  her  the  interest  on  £100, 
and  gives  all  the  rest  of  the  estate  to  wife  Eunice. 

Probably  this  line  is  extinct. 

16.  Mary^  Setvall  (daughter  of  Judge  Samuel)  married  Samuel  Ger- 
rish,  24  Aug.,  1709.  The  husband  was  son  of  Rev.  Joseph  Ger- 
rish,  of  Wenham,  and  nephew  of  the  Moses  Gerrish  who  married 
JNIary  Sewall's  aunt.  The  following  extracts,  from  Samuel  Sewall 
Jr.'s  notes,  sums  up  the  record :  — 

"Aug.  24,  1709.  Was  celebrated  the  marriage  of  my  sister,  Mrs.  Mary 
Sewall,  to  Mr.  Samuel  Gerrish,  youngest  son  of  Mr.  Gerrish,  minister  of 
Wenham.  Married  per  Mr.  Pemberton.  Present  my  wife  and  daughter 
Beck. 

"Nov.  9th,  1710.  Sister  Gerrish  brought  to  bed  of  a  daughter.  12th 
inst.  baptized  it  Hannah.  Nov.  17th  Father  Sewall  writes  me  word  of  the 
sad  newes  of  the  death  of  my  sister  Gerrish.  She  expired  about  4  hours 
after  midnight,  dying  in  childbed  very  suddenly.  Was  interred  in  grand- 
father Hull's  tomb,  Nov.  18th,  1710,  being  Satturday.  Next  day  Father  putt 
up  a  note  for  a  sanctified  use  of  the  early  death  of  my  sister  for  himself  and 
family.  I  and  my  wife  was  there  at  the  funeral.  Pal  bearers,  Paul  Dud- 
ley, Esq":  Mr  Daniel  Oliver,  M'  Samuel  Philips,  Mr  John  Winthrop,  Mr 
John  Smith,  Mr  Giles  Dyer.  Given  scarves  and  gloves.  Born  October  28th 
lived  19  years,  20  dayes." 

Gerrish  was  a  bookseller  in  Boston,  and  Town  Clerk.  His  second 
marriage  is  thus  recorded  by  S.  S.  Jr. :  — 

"  Thursday  night,  May  8,  1712,  Dr.  I.  Mather  married  brother  Gerrish 
to  Mrs  Sarah  Coney.     I  was  there  present;  gave  my  wife  and  I  gloves. 
"  1715.     May  22,  brother  Gerrish's  son  Samuel,  baptized." 


INTRODUCTION.  XXXI X 

17.  Judith  •  Sewall  (daughter  of  Judge  Samuel)  married  Rev.  Wil- 
liam Cooper.*  12  Mav.  1720,  and  luid:  — 
Williain/U).  1  Oct..  1721. 
SamiK'l,*!).  28  Murcli,  172'). 

Thomas,*  b.         livin«;  in  17').'] ;  sold  his  share  of  estate. 

Judith,*'  b.         m.    1st   Dr.  John   Scvtr,  of  Kinijston, 

13    Dec,  17t')3  ;  had  one  daugliler,  Judith  ;  m.   2d, 

William  Rand.  Jr.  (Seuver  Genealogy.) 

Judith  (Sewall)  Cooper  died  23  Dec.,  1740  ;  her  husband  died  13  Dec, 

1 743.     Of  the  children  :  — 

I.  Rev.  Samuel  •  Cooper  was  minister  at  Brattle  Street  Church, 
Boston:  married  Judith  BuKinch,  11  Sept.,  174G. 

His  will  (Suflf.  Deeds,  lib.  83,  f.  8)  mentions  wife  Judith,  grandson 
Samuel  Cooj>er*  Jolionnot,  daughter  Abigail,'  wife  of  Joseph 
Ilixon  (Joseph  Ilixon,  of  Montserrat,  and  Abigail  Cooper,  were 
publishe<l  2  Jan.,  1777.  They  have  issue,  whom  we  have  been 
unable  to  trace).  Of  the  other  daughter,  we  learn  by  the  N.  E. 
Ilisu  Register,  VII,  142,  that  Gabriel  Johonnet  married,  18  Dec, 
1761,  Judith  Cooper,  and  had  two  sons,  Samuel  C,®  baptized  13 
March,  17G8,  H.  C.  1783,  went  to  Demerara,  and  died  in  1806, 
leaving  issue,  and  Zachary,*  baptized  12  Feb.,  17G9. 

Gabriel  had  a  second  wife  (married  in  1774),  and  died  9  Oct.,  1820. 

II.  William*  Cooper,  son  of  Rev.  William  and  Judith*  (Sewall) 
Cooper,  was  the  famous  Town  Clerk  of  Hoston,  the  friend  of  Han- 
cock and  A<lams.  He  married  Catherine  Wendell,  25  April,  1745. 
Their  children,  who  were  alive  wlien  his  estate  was  distributed  in 
1813  (Suff.  Wills,  lib.  iii,  f.  40)  were:— 
Samu«*l.' 

Richard  W'[vbird]. 
John.' 

Judith,'  wife  of  Matthew  Park. 
William  Cooper  died  28  Nov.,  1809. 

We  have  been  unable  to  trace  his  brother  Thomas '  Cooper,  or  his 
son  Richard  W.  Cooi>er.  Of  the  other  children  we  can  give  the 
following  account  :  — 

•  Not^^.s  by  Samuel  Sewall,  Jr. 

1720  May  12.  Sister  Judith  Sewall  married  to  the  Rer*  Mr.  W»  Cooper, 
by  her  father.  Brother  Sewall  prays.  Mr  Colman  prays  after  marriage. 
None  but  brothers  and  sisters,  with  Mr.  Colman  and  his  wife,  Mr  Stoddard 
and  wife,  Mr  Cooper's  mother. 

1721  Octol)er  1st,  Sabbath-day  moniing,  between  twelve  and  one,  sister 
Coofier  broiiijht  to  bed  of  a  son  at  Bro<jklin,  in  our  best  lower  room.  8'> 
brother  Cooper  preached  at  Brooklin  and  baptized  his  son  William,  taking 
him  in  his  arms. 

June  28th,  1723,  sister  brought  to  bed  of  a  daughter;  named  it  Mehitta- 
bel  for  his  mother's  sake. 

Septeml>er  15th,  1724,  sister  Cooper's  daughter,  Mehittal>el,  dies  after 
long  laoguishmeot.     Buried  in  grandfather  Hull's  tomb  the  17th. 


xl  INTRODUCTION. 

John  '  Cooper,  of  Machias,  was  the  first  sheriff  of  Washington  County, 
Maine,  married,  in  1788,  Elizabeth  Savage,  sister  of  James  Savage, 
of  Boston,*  and  had :  — 
John  T.3 
William,®  m.  Eliza  Dutton,  and  had :  — 

William  S. 

Elizabeth  D. 

Emma  P. 

Caroline  P. 

Helen  M. 

Mary. 

Harriet  C. 
Emma  E,®  m.  Rufus  K.  Porter,  and  had  issue. 
Charles  W.® 
Samuel.® 

James    S.,®  m.  1st  Mary  E.   Savage;    2d,  Abby  I. 
Girdler;  had:  — 

Mary  E. 

Elizabeth  S. 

James  I. 

Charles  W. 

Alice  G. 
Caroline  S,®  m.  William  J.  Newman,  and  had  issue. 

Samuel^  Cooper,  of  Boston,t  was  a  lawyer,  and  Judge  of  the  Court  of 
Common  Pleas  for  Suffolk,  1800-9,  and  died  between  1810  and 
1820.  He  married  his  cousin  Margaret,  daughter  of  William 
Phillips;  she  died  19  Feb.,  1844.     Their  children  were:  — 

Samuel   T.®  Cooper,  of   Andover,  who  married  and 

left  issue. 
William  P.,**  who  went  to  Illinois,  and  left  two  sons, 

now  residing  there. 
George,®  who  was  a  lieutenant  in  the  Navy,  and  died 
unm.,  at  Charlestown,  about  1825. 

*  See  his  letter,  in  the  Machias  Centennial  of  1863,  p.  80,  from  which 
book  the  above  facts  are  copied.  — Eds. 

f  By  some  confusion  of  names,  Mr.  Drake  has  entered  in  his  biographies 
of  the  Massachusetts  Society  of  the  Cincinnati,  this  son  of  the  Town  Clerk; 
thus  wrongly  identifying  him  with  Gen.  Samuel  Cooper  of  New  York. — 
Eds. 


DIVrvY   OF   SAMUEL   SEW  ALL. 


[Mk.  Sewall  ccradnated  at  Harvard  College  in  the  Class  of  1671. 
Most  of  the  other  ten  memln'rs  of  liis  class  were  his  intimates  or 
associates  during  their  joint  lives.  Under  the  usage  which  then  pre- 
vailed he  became,  soon  after  graduation,  a  Resident  Fellow  of  the 
College.  !March  1,  1674,  it  was^ordcre*!  hy  the  Corporation  that  Sir 
Sewall  shall  be  from  henceforth  tlie  keeper  of  the  College  Library." 
April  15,  1674,  "Ordered  that  Mr.  Gookin  and  Sir  Sewall,  Fellows 
of  the  College,  have  lialf  a  year's  salary  of  their  proi)ortion  forthwith 
j)aid  them  of  the  Piscataway  gift  now  in  the  Treasurer's  hands. 
Also,  fifty  shillings  a  peece  due  in  February  last  by  Mr.  Glover's  gift." 
He  appears  to  have  taken  up  his  residence  in  Boston  in  1674-5,  at 
the  house  of  his  father-in-law,  undecided  whether  to  enter  the  minis- 
try or  to  follow  merchandise.  April  1,  1675,  he  writes  that  he 
|)reached  in  the  afternoon,  in  Newbury,  "being  afraid  to  look  on  the 
[hour]  glass:  ignorantly  and  unwillingly  I  stood  two  hours  and  a 
half."  He  married,  Feb.  28, 167^,  Hannah,  daughter  of  Cai)tain  .John 
Hull,  Mint-master,  Treasurer  of  the  town  of  J^uston  and  of  the  colony 
of  Massaeliusetts. 

In  tlie  Xew  P^ngland  Historical  and  Genealogical  Register,  Vols. 
VII.  and  VIH.  (1853-54),  were  published  extracts  from  some  inter- 
leaved almanacs  formerly  in  the  possession  of  Judge  Sewall,  the 
annalist,  and  tlien  owned  by  Fre<leric  Kidder,  Esq.  As  tliese  were 
evi«lently  the  first  notes  made  by  him,  afterwards  reproduced  in  his 
Diary,  we  have  copied  the  omitted  portions  in  such  places  as  seemed 
best. 

The  almanacs  for  1671  and  1672  contain  no  notes.  In  1673,  prior 
to  the  date  of  our  text,  we  find  the  following  :  — 

•'  1073,  May  12,  3  [i.e.  third  day,  Tuesday]  morning  Seth  Flynt  dyed. 
June  5,  5,  Elder  Jo.  Caifsltj  [?]  dyed. 

21,  7,  nijrht  Ruth  Fhnit  dyed. 
Sept.  5,  6,  Joyce  went  to  Jo.  Dossitt. 
6,-7,  Then  I>eah  Xucora  came. 
Oct.  10,  6,  Joyce  came  from  Jo.  DaHsitt. 

Nov.  15,  17,  14  day  night,  .Mrs   Coleborn  dyed,  buried  the  17th." 
In  almanac  for  1074  no  notefl.  —  Eda.] 


2  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1674. 

Dec.  3,  1673.  I  read  to  the  Junior  Sophisters,  the  14th 
Chapter  of  Heerboords  Physick,  i.e.  part  of  it,  which 
beginnes  thus,  Sensus  Communes  &c.  I  went  to  the  end, 
and  then  red  it  over  from  the  beginning,  which  I  ended 
the  24th  of  March,  1671- 

Feb.  20,  167|.  Brother  Stephen  admitted.  My  Father 
brought  down  my  Brother  Stephen  to  be  admitted,  which 
was  done  the  23d  of  that  month. 

March  9,  16  7|.  I  sent  my  Brother  Stephen's  cloaths 
to  be  washed  by  Mrs.  Clark. 

Mar.  23.     I  had  my  hair  cut  by  G.  Barret. 

„  24.  My  Father  came  down;  Harry  Summerby 
attending  him ;  brought  my  Sister  Jane  to  the  Dr's.  My 
Sister  Anne  was  brought  to  Mr.  Butler's  to  live  by  my  B. 
John,  March  20,  167|.  In  the  Evening  the  Townsmen  of 
Cambridge  had  a  meeting  and  Mr.  Gookin  and  I  being  sent 
for  went  to  them.  They  treated  us  very  civily  and  agreed 
that  the  School  boyes  should  sit  no  longer  in  the  Students 
hinder  seat.  It  was  also  consented  to  by  us  that  some  sober 
youths  for  the  present  might  be  seated  there.   Hmc  hactenus. 

March  25,  1674.  My  Father  went  away  and  Henry 
Somerby  with  him  intending  for  Salem.  It  rained  hard 
in  the  afternoon.  Madam  How  brought  to  bed  of  a 
daughter  in  the  afternoon. 

April  2.  Benjamin  Gourd  of  Roxbury  (being  about  17 
years  of  age)  was  executed  for  committing  Bestiality  ^  ^  * 
N.  B.  He  committed  the  filthines  at  noon  day  in  an  open 
yard.  He  after  confessed  that  he  had  lived  in  that  sin 
a  year.  The  causes  he  alledged  were,  idlenes,  not  obey- 
ing parents,  &c. 

April  6.  Mr.  Ganson,  M^  of  a  Catch  set  sail  for  Liver- 
poll,  in  which  Mr.  Higginson  went. 

April  7.  The  D.,  Mr.  Gookin  and  myself  were  invited 
and  went  to  dinner  with  the  Magistrates  in  the  Court 
Chamber.  Mr.  Sherman  and  Mr.  Willard  came  with  me 
to  my  chamber. 


1674.]  DIAKY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  3 

April  8.  Mr.  Gookin  and  I  gave  Mr.  Nelieiniah  Ilobart 
a  visit,  6**  to  the  Fts  man. 

April  0.  Mr.  Gookin  and  I  went  down  to  Boston.  I 
wont  to  vi.sit  mv  Couzcmi  DuiTier  and  his  wife  my  Couzon, 
wlio  lay  in  of  Mary  Dummer,  born  the  14''*  of  March 
1G73-     To  the  Nurse  2"\  for  a  pair  of  sizers  4'.* 

April  10.     3^*  milk,  6**  for  spice  &c. 

April  15,  1674.  4**  Beer.  News  of  Peace  in  Lecture 
time.  3**  for  Wine,  6^*  to  Onesiphorus.  Tobacco  Pipes 
3*.  At  night  I  lay  with  Sir  Adams  at  Mr.  Oakes's. 
Memen.  it  thundered  and  lightened  and  rained  very 
much. 

Friday,  April  17.  My  Brother  went  to  Boston  and 
bought  me  an  Hour-gla.sse  and  penknife  1.  1.  3'^  One 
shilling  to  my  Brother.  23,  A  pair  of  Glovs  from 
Goodman  Fis.senden.  Laurence  and  Hannah  Oakes 
were  at  my  chamber  in  the  evening.  Received  my 
(Juarter  pay ;  borrowed  money  subducted,  2!  12'  9^ 
Mr.  Henry  Short  married  the  30^'^  March  74.  Mr. 
Treat  to  Mr.  Maihos  [Mayo's] '  Granchild  the  16*^  of 
Apinl,  74. 

June  5,  1674.  Mr.  Oakes  gave  me  to  understand  that 
though  he  respected  and  loved  me  as  formerly,  yet  he 
desired  that  I  would  refrain  coming  to  his  house,  and  that 
he  did  it  se  defendendo,  least  he  should  be  mistrusted  to 
discourage  and  dissettle  me.^ 

Monday,  June  15,  1674.  Mr.  Thatcher,  Fellow.  The 
Corporation  met  and  cho.se  Sir  Thatcher  Fellow,  Mr. 
Johnson,  Printer.  N.  B.  There  were  this  day  two  boyes 
killed  at  Watertown  with  the  tumbling  of  a  load  of  brush 


1  Enclosures  in  square  brackets,  in  the  text,  indicate  conjectural  correo- 
ti(  iiiA  or  explanations.  —  Eds. 

-  Rev.  Urian  Oakes,  paAtor  of  the  Cambridge  Church,  and  afterwards 
Pn-i'lent  of  the  College.  The  reference  probably  is  to  the  difficulty  exinting 
at  the  time  between  Oakes,  who  was  also  a  Fellow  of  the  College,  and  Presi- 
dent Hoar.  —  Eds. 


4  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1674. 

on  them,  on  which  they  road :  the  one  was  about  the  age 
of  12  years,  and  the  other  9. 

Thomas  Sargeant  was  examined  by  the  Corporation : 
finally,  the  advice  of  Mr.  Danforth,  Mr.  Stoughton,  Mr. 
Thatcher,  Mr.  Mather  (then  present)  was  taken.  This 
was  his  sentence. 

That  being  convicted  of  speaking  blasphemous  words 
concerning  the  H.  G.  he  should  be  therefore  publickly 
whipped  before  all  the  Scholars.  2.  That  he  should  be 
suspended  as  to  taking  his  degree  of  Bachelour  (this  sen- 
tence read  before  him  twice  at  the  Pr*f  before  the  com- 
mittee, and  in  the  library  1  up  before  execution.)  3.  Sit 
alone  by  himself  in  the  Hall  uncovered  at  meals,  during  the 
pleasure  of  the  President  and  Fellows,  and  be  in  all  things 
obedient,  doing  what  exercise  was  appointed  him  by  the 
President,  or  else  be  finally  expelled  the  Colledge.  The 
first  was  presently  put  in  execution  in  the  Library  (Mr. 
Danforth,  Jr.  being  present)  before  the  Scholars.  He 
kneeled  down  and  the  instrument  Goodman  Hely  attended 
the  President's  word  as  to  the  performance  of  his  part  in 
the  work.  Prayer  was  had  before  and  after  by  the  Presi- 
dent. July  1,  1674.  Sir  Thacher  Commonplaced,  Jus- 
tification was  his  head.  He  had  a  solid  good  piece  :  stood 
above  an  hour,  and  yet  brake  of  before  he  came  to  any 
use.  By  reason  that  there  was  no  warning  given,  none 
(after  the  undergraduates)  were  present,  save  Mr.  Dan 
Gookin,  Sr.  the  President  and  myself.  July  3,  1671. 
N.  B.  Mr.  Gookin,  Jr.  was  gone  a  fishing  with  his 
brothers. 

Had  my  hair  cut  by  Goodman  Barret,  July  6. 

July  the  8th  being  Cambridge  lecture  day,  Mr.  Wallie 
set  sail,  with  whom  went  Mr.  Chauncy  and  Mr.  Epps. 

July  10.  I  Commonplaced.  Nobody  save  the  6  plm. 
[placemen  ?]  was  present. 

July  17.  Sir  Weld  commonplaced.  His  subject  was 
Man  as  created  in  God's  Image. 


I 


1674]  I)IAi:V    OF    SAMUEL    SKWALL.  5 

Jul \  21.  Sir  Bowles '  Commonplaced.  His  subject  was 
the  Creation  of  the  Soul. 

AutjTust  7,  1G74.  New  Collod^e  raised.  John  Francis 
helpin^^  about  raisinii^  of  tbe  new  Colledi^e  had  his  ri^^ht 
legg  (both  bones)  broke  a  little  above  his  anckle,  and  his 
left  thigh  about  4  inches  below  the  joint,  by  a  peece  that 
fell  on  him,  and  had  like  to  have  killed  several  others  and 
yet  hurt  none. 

Friday,  August  14.  1  with  my  two  Brothers  went  home 
to  Newbury. 

Tuesday,  August  18.  Visited  Mr.  Parker,  Mr.  Wood- 
bridge  and  Mr.  Richardson. 

Aug.  10.     Tim.  Woodbridge  visited  me. 

Thorsday,  Sept.  3.     Mrs.  Martha  Noyes  dyed. 

Sept.  4.  Buried.  Her  death  suddain,  the  5^^  day  after 
her  Travail. 

Monday,  Sept.  7.  First  Frost.  Sept.  8'^  Generall  Train- 
ing. My  Brother  John  w^ent  down  and  had  discourse  with 
my  Sister  Hannah,  (that  now  is).^  Brought  up  my  Sister 
Jane,  Sept.  11.  About  the  18^^  of  this  month  my  Father 
went  down,  carried  my  Sister  Jane,  and  brought  up  the 
Publishment. 

Monday,  Sept.  28'*'.     My  little  Neece  Born. 

Sept.  29.  Broth.  John  went  to  Boston,  and  B.  Stephen 
to  Mr.  Batters,  upon  Tryal. 

Tuesday,  Oct.  6.  My  Father  went  to  Cambridge. 
Oct.  8.  My  Father  was  at  Boston,  on  which  day  he 
spake  sconcerning  my  Buisines  to  a  Gentleman   there. 

1074.  Tue.sday,  Oct.  13.  I  went  to  Cambridge,  being 
summoned  to  wait  on  the  Court  the  next  day. 

Oct.  10.  by  Mr.  Richardson's  means  I  was  called  to 
speak.     The  sum  of  my  Speech  was  that  the  causes  of 

*  John  Bowles  —  8oraetinie»  written  Bowels  —  and  Thomas  \\tt\d  were 
Sewairs  cla.<stnates.  The  title  Hir  deitignated  graduates  before  they  ttiok 
the  Master's  d«'pre*»,  —  Edh. 

*  .rhu  .S^wall  niarrieii  Hannah  Fefwenden  of  Cambridjj*»,  probably  sislef 
vi  Nicholas  F.,  botJi  being  called  *'  cousin  "  by  John  F.  —  Eub. 


b  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1674. 

the  lownes  of  the  Colled ge  were  external  as  well  as 
internal. 

The  first  day  of  my  coming  to  Boston  at  night,  I  lay 
with  my  Conzen  Dumer.  The  Thorsday  Oct*  15  I  rode 
first  to  Charlestown  Ferry,  thinking  to  have  my  horse 
over,  and  so  accompany  Mr.  Gookin.  but  could  not,  and  so 
was  fain  to  ride  round  in  the  night. 

Oct.  17.     Nicol.  Fissenden  came  with  me  home. 

Tuesday,  Oct.  20.  My  Father  went  down  to  see  how 
things  were  after  my  information.  Nic  urged  to  have  my 
Brother  [who  ?]  has  gone  too.  My  Mother  and  I  with- 
stood it.  Father  (as  it  was  thought  he  would)  set  the 
match  forward,  her  friends  earnest. 

Oct.  23.     Brother  Stephen  came  to  visit  us. 

Oct.  26.  Brothers  John  and  Steph,  with  Father  Lum- 
macks,  went  down  the  next  day,  Tuesda}^,  Oct.  27. 
Brother  was  married  by  Mr.  Danforth. 

Oct.  29.     They  came  home,  it  being  a  rainy  day. 

Saturday,  31^*,  They  returned.  Goodman  Cheyny,  Nic. 
Fissenden,  and  Thomas  Cheyny.  Stephen  my  Brother  to 
Salem. 

Nov.  3.  Mr.  Adams  married.  Mr.  William  Adams  and 
Miss  Mary  Manning,  his  wife,  coming  from  Salisbury  came 
to  visit  me.  Memen.  They  were  married  by  Mr.  Dan- 
forth on  Wednesday,  the  21  of  Sept.  [Oct.  ?]  Mr.  Taylor 
married. 

Thorsday,  Nov.  5,  Mr.  Edward  Taylor,  of  Westfield  is 
married  (as  he  gave  out.) 

Copys  of  Letters  in  Almanack,  1672. 

Memento,  that  about  Novem.  12  1  wrote  four  Letters  to 
England.  Imp.  one  to  my  Aunt  Eider.^  It.  one  to  my 
Aunt  Mehetabel  Holt.  It.  one  to  my  Cousin  Thomas 
Dummer.  It.  one  to  my  Landlord  Marice.  In  that  of 
my  Aunt  Holts  were  also  enclosed  one  of  my  Mothers  to 

1  For  the  various  relations  of  Sewall,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  pre- 
liminary sketch.  —  Eds. 


I67i.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SKWALL.  7 

my  Unckle,  St.  Dummer,  one  of  my  Brother  John's  to  be 
sent  to  my  Aunt  Sarah  Holt.  The  Copies  of  mine  are  in 
the  Ahnanack  for  the  year  '72.  My  Bro.  went  to  Salem 
Nov.  13,  intending  for  Boston  Saturday,  Nov.  14  to 
give  these  Letters  to  Mr.  Hull  by  him  to  be  sent  for 
Eui^land. 

Thoi*sday,  Nov.  19,  My  Mother  and  Self  went  to  see 
Goodman  Moody,  whom  we  found  extream  ill  of  the  yel- 
low jaundice.  We  visited  Goodman  and  Goodwife  Little 
also. 

Tuesday,  Nov.  24.  My  Father  received  a  letter  from 
Capt.  Pike,  of  Woodbridge,'  by  which  he  sollicited  my 
Father  for  my  coming  tliether  to  be  their  Minister.  Let- 
ters date,  Sept.  10.  '74. 

Monday,  Nov.  30^^.  My  Father  and  self  went  to  Salem. 
The  next  day  my  Brother  Stephen  was  bound  Apprentice 
to  Mr.  Edmund  Batter,  Merch.  His  time  expires  on  the 
29'^'  of  Sept.  1679  (unless  Mr.  Batter  dye  before).-  At  the 
time  specified  he  is  to  receive  ten  £  in  good  and  currant 

pay. 

Tuesday,  Dec.  22, 1674.  Lieutenant  Way,  Mr.  Weaver, 
Tho.  Norman  came  to  our  house.  The  Lieuten.  related 
distinctly  several  things  about  Mr.  Nicolets  Church  gather- 
ing at  Lin.^ 

Wednesday,  Dec.  23.  I  was  at  an  Arbitration  between 
Tho'.  W.  and  John  W.  Weaver :  was  cast  300  and  odde  <£ 
in  W"  debdt.  The  Arb.  were  Mr.  Den,  G^'K  Sidtonstall, 
Mr.  Pike,  C  ^'^  Gerrish,  and  Mr.  Doel.  The  last  set  not 
his  hand  at  all.     Mr.  Pike  but  to  part. 

Friday,  Dec.  25.  Sam.  Guile  of  Havarel,  ravished  Good- 
wife  Nash  of  Amesbury,  about  G.  Bailyes  Piisture  at  the 
white  Bottoms. 


*  ProbaVjly,  Rev.  John  Woodbridge,  of  Andover.  —  Eds. 

*  Mr.  Batters  did  not  die   until   1085,  when  he  was   seventy-sir  yean 
old.  —  Eds. 

*  See  History  of  Lynn  (ed.  1805),  p.  201.  —Eds. 


8  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [IGTf 

Mond.  Jan.  25,  167|.  Mr.  Smith  came  to  visit  lis,  and 
brought  with  him  one  Mr.  Bradly,  who  is  allso  a  Southton  ^ 
man,  and  told  me  that  he  went  to  old  Mr.  Gold  wire's  to 
school  at  Broadling,  with  34  more.  He  allso  told  me  that 
Thos.  Warren  was  Apprentice  to  an  Orange  Merchant  at 
Billingsgate,  and  Sam.  to  a  Coal-seller  at  Cheapside. 

Thurs.  Feb.  13.  There  was  a  Fast  held  at  Sam.  Moody's, 
principally  upon  the  occasion  of  his  sicknes :  whereat 
were  present,  Mr.  Woodbridge,  Mr.  Philips,  Mr.  Moody, 
Mr.  Reinor,  Mr.  Richardson.  The  3  first  mentioned 
seemed  to  be  very  sensible  of  the  state  of  things  and  of 
the  plots  of  papists,  Atheists :  and  Mr.  Phillips  spake  how 
the  Ministers  in  England,  when  they  had  their  liberty,  look 
after  their  own  houses,  quarrelled,  &c.  I  carried  my 
Mother  to  the  Fast,  and  there  we  with  many  more,  had 
(I  hope)  a  feast  day. 

A  Scotchman  and  Frenchman  kill  their  Master,  knock- 
ing him  in  the  head  as  he  was  taking  Tobacko.  They  are 
taken  by  Hew  and  Cry,  and  condemned :  Hanged. 

Nicolas  Feaver,  born  in  the  He  of  Jersey,  Robert  Driver, 
born  in  the  He  of  Orknye  in  Scotland,  Executed,  Mar.  18, 
167|. 

Monday,  March  15,  167|.  I  visited  Mr.  Parker.^  He 
told  me  what  one  Mr.  Stockman  related  to  Mr.  Parker  his 
father,  at  the  table  of  the  Earl  of  Pembrook.  This  Stock- 
man went  into  Spain  w^ith  the  Embassadour,  and  there 
hearing  of  one  that  could  foretell  things  went  to  him  to 
enquire  concerning  England.  He  showed  in  a  glass  for 
K.  Henry  3  time,  the  Cross  leaning,  and  stooping :  for 

1  Southton  means,  of  course,  Southampton.  Sewall  was  born  at  Bishop's 
Stoke,  in  the  county  of  Hampshire  [or  Southamptonshire],  a  parish  some 
eight  miles  north  of  the  city  of  that  name.  Baddesley,  where  he  went  first 
to  school,  was  a  mile  or  two  west  of  Stoke,  and  Broadlands  (possibly,  the 
Broadling  of  the  text)  was  a  few  miles  farther  west. — Eds. 

2  Rev.  Thomas  Parker,  pastor  of  the  church  at  Newbury.  Having  lost 
his  sight,  he  devoted  himself  to  teaching  Latin,  Greek,  and  Hebrew.  Sewall 
had  been  under  his  tuition.  —  Eds. 


1675.J  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  9 

K.  Edward  the  Wizard  showed  a  Child,  a  cloud  drawn  over 
his  head.  Q.  Mary,  Ferro  et  Flamis  :  Q.  Elizabeth,  Excel- 
lentissima :  K.  James,  one  coming  over  a  river  with  the 
crown  on  his  head,  Infelix  pads  amator. 

^  April  3.  1675.  About  one  of  the  clock  at  night,  Sam. 
Moody  dyed  quietly,  having  lyen  sick  of  the  jaundice 
by  the  space  of  half-an-year.  He  was  buried  on  Monday. 
There  was  a  great  funeral. 

April  4,  Sab.  day.  1  holp  preach  for  my  Master,  [Mr. 
Parker]  in  the  afternoon.  Being  afraid  to  look  on  the 
glass,  ignorantly  and  unwillingly  I  stood  two  hours  and  a 
half. 

April  29  Brother  John  and  Sister  Hailah  Sewall  begin 
to  keep  house  at  the  Falls. 

My  Father  having  found  things  out  of  order  at  the  Lit- 
tle Farm,  viz.  Fences  down,  ground  Eaten  and  rooted  up 
by  Cattle  and  hogs,  and  wanting  a  good  Tenant,  the  Sea- 
son of  the  year  now  spending,  resolves  and  goes  to  live 
there,  notwithstanding  the  littleness  and  unpretines  of  the 
house. 

^  Saturday,  May  15.  Brothers  house  was  raised,  at  the 
raising  of  which  I  was.     Two  Pins  lower  Suiner. 

^  The  following  items  are  supplied  from  the  interleaved  almanacs.  —  Eds. 
"  1675.  March  29,  2.     Now  a  []  Capt.  Alii  []  of  Charl  []  dyes.     T.  [] 
frater. 
March  30,  3.     Brother  brought  home  Sister  Jane  from  the  Dr.  at 

Cambridge. 
March  31,  4.     No  Lecture,  because  Mr.  Rich  f.  home.     I  visited 
Mr.  Parker  and  ]\Ir.  Wood.     Mr.  Parkerus  natus  et 
baptizatus  die  Pentecoste,  Ano  1595,  being  y'i  June 
8ti>asltakeit." 
2  *'May     1,7.     Beans  planted, 
5.  4      Diet  Sisters. 
June    3.  5      David  Perkins.     Brt.  Arad. 
June    -  Two  troopers  pressed  to  go  against  the  Indians:   Noyes, 

Tho.  Thurrel.     I  went  to  the  farm  in  the  evening. 
July  18,  1.     News  of  Nihicrafts  yeelding, 

27.  3.     John  Godfrey. 
Aug.  25,  4.     The  fight  was  of  two  hours,  12  miles  from  Hatfield.    John 


10  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1675 

Friday,  May  21.  Goodman  Adams  (coming  to  visit  his 
Mother  Woodman)  was  invited  by  and  came  over  and 
lodged  with  me. 

N.  B.  Tuesday,  May  4  C'p'^  Scarlet,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr. 
Freak  killed  by  a  blow  of  powder  on  Ship  board.  Mr. 
Freak  killed  outright. 

July  31,  at  midnight,  Tho.  Wood,  Carpenter  of  Eowly, 
had  his  house  and  goods  burnt,  and,  vm  malum,  a  daughter 
of  about  10  years  of  age,  who  directed  her  brother  so  that 
he  got  out,  was  herself  consumed  to  ashes. 

This  said  Saturday  night,  in  a  dream,  I  fancyed  myself 
to  have  Mrs.  Richardson's  child  in  my  arms,  and  herself 
following  me  up  a  pair  of  stairs  going  to  heaven,  all  sor- 
rowfull  and  weeping.  I  went  up  innumerable  steps  and 
still  saw  nothing,  so  that  I  was  discouraged,  doubting  with 
myself  whether  there  was  such  a  place  as  sedes  heatorum. 
Yet  I  strengthened  myself  as  well  as  I  could,  considering 
how  apt  things  only  heard  of  are  to  be  doubted  (if  diffi- 
cultly obtained  and  not  of  a  long  time)  though  they  be 
never  so  true.  Thus  thinking,  I  went  on ;  at  last  I  came 
to  a  fair  chamber  with  goodly  lodgings.  When  I  saw  that 
was  all,  I  earnestly  prayed  that  God  would  help  us,  or 
else  we  should  never  get  to  our  journey's  end.  Amazed 
I  was,  not  being  able  to  conceive  how  furniture  should 
be  brought  up  those  stairs  so  high.  Afterward  it  was  a 
chamber  in  the  N.  Building,  [at  the  College],  after,  part 
of  an  old  [house]  (Goif,  as  I  take  it)  that  joined  to  it,  of 
the  same  height.  A  schollar  told  me  that  those  things 
were  drawn  up  by  a  pully,  and  so  took  in  at  a  window 
which  was  all  ranshacled  like  that  in  Goff  Colledge  over 
the  Fellows'  chamber,  and  all  things  began  to  seem  more 


Plumer  dies. 

Steven  Greenleaf  wounded. 

Ex  Uteris 

S.  Greenleaf. 

Sept.  18. 

Capt.  Latrop. 

Oct.    13. 

Marsh.  Skerry. 

Oct.     6.  4. 

Springfield,   32 
—  Eds. 

houses,  with  their  barns." 

Almanacs. 

\ 


1675.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  11 

vile.  Herabout  I  waked,  being  much  troubled  at  the 
former  part,  and  much  wondring  at  the  latter  of  my 
dream.  '  Desinit  in  piscem  mulier  formosa  superne.'  Deus 
det,  deus  misericors  et  henignus,  me,  et  comites  meos,  non 
tantum  et  de  somnis,  sed  vere  tandem  divinis  gradibiis  ad 
codum  usque  ascendere. 

Novem.  10,  1675.  Lecture  day.  Kemember  the  cour- 
teous speech  and  behaviour  of  Tho.  and  Will  Noyse. 
Ingenious  men.  Will  came  to  me  (speaking  with  Tim. 
Woodbridge)  and  excused  his  not  coming  to  see  me,  &c. 

Nov.  11.  Morning  proper  fair,  the  wether  exceedingly 
benign,  but  (to  me)  metaphoric,  dismal,  dark  and  por- 
tentous, some  prodigie  appearing  in  every  corner  of  the 
skies.  Father  went  to  Attach  Ben  Goodridge,  at  which 
(as  all)  so  especially  Mother,  troubled  and  disswaded  him. 
Nothing  moves,  at  which  Mother  was  exceedingly  trou- 
bled, and,  e.  h.  w.  o.  L.  w.  h.  [every  hour  wishes  our  Lord 
would  help  ?] 

N.  B.  Tuesday,  Dec.  21,  1675,  about  the  time  of  the 
Eclips  Sister  Sewall  was  delivered  in  my  chamber  of  a 
daughter,  Goodwife  Brown  being  Midwife. 

Sept.  13.  Saturday,  was  that  lamentable  fight,  when 
Capt.  Latrop  with  sixty-four  killed. 

^  Decem.  19.  Sabbath  day,  that  formidable  engage- 
ment at  Narraganset,  34  Eng^'^^  put  in  one  pit,  3    after 

1  "  Nov.  29,  1.  Dr.  Hoar  dies. 

Dec.  14.  3.  Judith  March. 

Dec.   19.  Sunday.     Engagement. 

29,  4.  Mr.  Reyner  came  in  the  evening  to  our  house,  delivered 

me  a  letter.     Lodged  here ;  in  bed  we  had  much  and 
various  discourse. 

30,  5.     Mr.  Jer.   Hobart  lodges   here.     I   at   sisters   with   little 

Jacob. 
30*''.  5.     Rainy  m.  mist,  hold  up.     Mr.  R.  goes  on  his  jom-ney. 
Gave  him  letters  of  Dec  28  for  Boston. 
13  Jany.     Brother  John  Sewall. 
29  Feb.  (TuQS.)     Miss  Thatcher,  Senior,  and  Miss  Page  visit  us,  they 
the  first."     [Sewall  was  married  the  preceding  day,] 
Almanacs.  —  Eds. 


12  DIARr    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1676. 

Joseph  Pliimer,  26  gon  already,  75  more  pressed ;  advance 
towards  Ipswich. 

Lecture  day  Jan.  5.  Hints  of  discourse.  One  (speak- 
ing of  twelve  +ide)  said  it  may  be  we  knew  not  11  from 
12.  I  said  it  was  best  if  (in  that  sense)  we  did  not.  In 
defence  of  Mr.  Graves  I  said  that  the  Application  of  Xt's 
merits  was  a  greater  wonder  than  the  sending  of  Xt.  into 
the  world.  That  no  person  could  be  said  to  be  mankind : 
that  such  an  one  was  not,  which  was  thought  very  ridicu- 
lous.^    Jan.  3,  cold  wether  hindred  waiting  till  now. 

Jan.  10,  167|.  Felled  the  oak  at  the  E.  end  of  the 
house.     Matre  et  Sorore  valde  plangentihus. 

Nota  bene.  Friday  about  3  in  the  afternoon,  April 
21,  1676,  Capt.  Wadsworth  and  Capt.  Brocklebank  fall. 
Almost  an  hundred,  since,  I  hear,  about  fifty  men,  slain  3 
miles  off  Sudbury  :  the  said  Town  burned,  Garrison  houses 
except. 

Sabbath  day,  evening,  23  April,  considerable  thunder 
shower.  Monday  24,  about  6  afternoon,  a  Woman  taken, 
and  a  Man  knocked  in  the  head,  at  Menocticot,  Brain- 
trey. 

^  April  5,  Wednesday,  Governour  Winthrop  dyes.  In- 
terred old  Burying  place  Monday  following. 

April  25  Tuesday,  Major  Willard  dyes  at  Charleston, 
buryed  27*^.  April  26.  Mr.  Lidget  dyes:  interred  the 
28^^  1676. 

Monday,  May  8.  Considerable  Thunder  and  rain  in 
the  night.  Mrs.  Wharton  Dyes  :  Buried  Wednesday  after- 
noon. 

Tuesday,  Fast,  Magistrates,  Deputies.  Sisters  sail  toward 
Newbury. 

1  The  reader  can  hardly  fail  to  think  the  same,  on  account  of  the  obscurity 
of  the  text.  —  Eds. 

2  "  1676.  Feb.   10,  7.     Mr.  Sanford  dyes. 

Mch.  10.  6.     Mr.  Ransford  .  26.  Marlborough. 
June  20.  3.     No  lecture,  but  past  the  week  at  Mr.  Mathers." 
Almanacs.  —  Eds. 


I 


1676.]  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  13 

Friday,  May  5.  16  Indians  killed:  no  English  hurt; 
near  Mendham.  19  May.  Capt.  Turner,  200  Indians.  22 
May,  about  12  Indians  killed  by  Troop. 

Monday,  May  9.  Cold  encreases  mightily,  all  night 
burning  Fever :    next  night  rested  indifferently. 

Sabbath,  May  14,  1676.  2  or  3  in  the  morning,  Mr. 
Usher  dyes.  At  night  Mr.  Russel  dyes,  being  drowned 
in  flegm.  Mr.  Tho.  Shepard  buried  Tuesd.  5,  afternoon. 
Wednes :  aftern.  Mr.  Usher  buried.  Tuesd.  16.  Mr. 
Atwater  dyes :  buried  Thursday  following,  after  Lecture. 
Three  such  Funerals,  one  after  another,  imediately,  I 
never  before  saw.  Mr.  Atwater  was  at  meeting  in  the 
forenoon  and  afternoon  the  Sabbath  before.  N.  B.  As 
we  came  from  the  Funeral,  we  saw  an  huddle  of  persons, 
who  w^ere  bringing  Jabez  Eaton  that  died  just  then  in  the 
street. 

Wednesday,  May,  24,  about  10  M.,  Capt.  Davis  dies, 
fever,  he  had  been  delirious  severall  times  between  while 
before  his  death. 

Mr.  Willard  preaches  the  Lecture. 

Mr.  Woodrop,  Hobart  Ger.,  Nehem.  Phips,  Weld,  Faild, 
came  after  lecture  and  sat  wdth  me.  God  grant  we  may 
sit  together  in  heaven.  May  25.  Mr.  Adams  had  a  very 
pithy  and  pertinent  discourse  from  Nahum  2.  2.  Old 
Church. 

Monday,  June  5.  Mr.  Hutchison  chosen  Capt.,  Mr. 
Turin,  Lieut.,  Mr.  Bendal,  Ensign  of  the  Artillery. 

Tuesd.  6,  late  in  the  Afternoon,  a  violent  wind,  and 
thunder  shower  arose.  Mr.  Bendal,  Mrs.  Bendal,  Mr. 
James  Edmunds,  and  a  Quaker  female  were  drowned : 
their  Boat  (in  which  coming  from  Nodle's  Hand)  being 
overset,  and  sinking  by  reason  of  ballast.  Mr.  Charles 
Lidget  hardly  escaped  by  the  help  of  an  oar. 

Wednesday,  June  7.,  5  Afternoon  Mr.  Bendal,  Mrs,  car- 
ried one  after  another,  and  laid  by  one  another  in  the 
same  grave.     Eight  young  children.      Tuesday,  June  6, 


14  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1676. 

Hatfield  fight^  5  English  killed,  about  14  Indians.  Wed- 
nesday, June  7,  Ninety  Indians  killed  and  taken  by  Conec- 
ticut  ferry :  30  and  odd  by  C.  Henchman. 

June  10^^.,  Received  a  Letter  from  Unckle  St.  Dumer, 
dated  March  24,  1675  [6]  i.  e.  last  March,  for  it  was  in 
answer  to  one  wrote,  Oct.  29.  '75.  Aunt  Sarah  died 
about  a  year  and  ^  before.  Peace  and  plenty.  Nothing 
of  Father's  buisiness. 

June  16,  1676.  Went  with  my  Father  to  Mr.  Smith's, 
there  to  see  the  maner  of  the  Merchants. 

June  22.  Two  Indians,  Capt.  Tom  and  another,  exe- 
cuted after  Lecture. 

Note,  at  the  Execution  I  delivered  2  Letters,  one  to 
Unckle  Steph,  another  enclosed  to  unckle  Nath,  unto  John 
Pike,  to  be  by  him  conveyed.  Last  week  two  killed  by 
Taunton  Scouts,  as  they  were  in  the  river,  fishing. 

Note.  This  week  Troopers,  a  party,  killed  two  men,  and 
took  an  Indian  Boy  alive.  Just  between  the  Thanksgiv- 
ing, June  29,  and  Sab.  day,  July,  2,  Capt.  Bradfords  ex- 
pedition 20  killed  and  taken,  almost  an  100  came  in: 
Squaw  Sachem.  July  1.,  9  Indians  sold  for  30 £.  Capt. 
Hincksman  took  a  little  before.  The  night  after,  James 
the  Printer  and  other  Indians  came  into  Cambridge. 
Father  Sewall  came  Tuesday  June  27.  Went  home 
Friday  last  of  June. 

Saturday,  July  1,  1676.  Mr.  Hezekiah  Wiilet  slain  by 
Naragansets,  a  little  more  than  Gun-shot  off  from  his 
house,  his  head  taken  off,  body  stript.  Jethro,  his  Niger, 
was  then  taken :  retaken  by  Capt.  Bradford  the  Thorsday 
following.  He  saw  the  English  and  ran  to  them.  He 
related  Philip  to  be  sound  and  well,  about  a  1000  Indians 
(all  sorts)  with  him,  but  sickly :  three  died  while  he  was 
there.  Belated  that  the  Mount  Hope  Indians  that  knew 
Mr.  Wiilet,  were  sorry  for  his  death,  mourned,  kombed 
his  head,  and  hung  peag  in  his  hair. 

Saturday,  July  8,  9  Indians,  2  English  sallied  out,  slew 


J 


1676.]  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  15 

5  and  took  two  alive.  These  Indians  were  killed  not 
many  miles  from  Dedham.^ 

July  9,  10,  &c.  This  week  Indians  come  in  at  Ply- 
mouth to  prove  themselves  faithful,  fetch  in  others  by 
force:  among  those  discovered  are  some  that  murdered 
Mr.  Clark's  family :  viz,  two  Indians :  they  accuse  one  of 
them  that  surrendered  to  the  English.  All  three  put  to 
death. 

Saturday,  July  15.  Quaker  marcht  through  the  town, 
crying,  "  Repent,  &c."  After,  heard  of  an  hundred  twenty 
one  Indians  killed  and  taken.  Note.  One  Englishman 
lost  in  the  woods  taken  and  tortured  to  death.  Several 
Indians  (now  about)  come  in  at  Plymouth,  behave  them- 
selves very  well  in  discovering  and  taking  others.  Med- 
field  men  with  volunteers,  English  and  Indians,  kill  and 
take  Canonicus  with  his  son  and  50  more. 

July  27.  Sagamore  John  comes  in,  brings  Mattoonus 
and  his  sonne  prisoner.  Mattoonus  shot  to  death  the 
same  day  by  John's  men. 

Friday,  July  28.  Mr.  Chickery  dyes,  about  5,  afternoon. 
Comencement  day  :  Mr.  Phips  married. 

Saturday  Even.  Aug.  12,  1676,  just  as  prayer  ended 
Tim.  D wight  sank  down  in  a  Swoun,  and  for  a  good  space 
was  as  if  he  perceived  not  what  was  done  to  him :  after, 
kicked  and  sprawled,  knocking  his  hands  and  feet  upon 
the  floor  like  a  distracted  man.     Was  carried  pickpack  to 

1  The  reports  and  rumors  which  are  entered  on  the  Journal  are  but  a 
few  of  those  daily  reaching  Boston  of  the  direful  horrors  oi  Philip's  War. 
"  James  the  Printer  "  above  referred  to,  was  a  native  Indian,  son  of  a  deacon 
of  the  church  of  "  Praying  Indians"  at  Grafton.  He  had  been  educated  at 
the  Indian  School  in  Cambridge,  and  was  an  apprentice  to  Samuel  Green, 
printer  in  that  town,  helping  in  the  printing  of  Eliot's  Bible.  He  ran  off  to 
join  his  own  people  in  their  assaults  on  the  settlements  of  the  English,  but 
availing  himself  of  the  Declaration  put  forth  by  the  Court  of  Massachusetts 
in  1676,  promising  mercy  to  all  who  would  come  in  within  fourteen  days,  he 
returned  and  was  soon  allowed  to  resume  his  trade.  His  name,  with  that 
of  Green,  is  on  the  title-page,  as  printer,  of  the  Indian  Psalter,  printed  in 
r709.  —  Eds. 


16  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1676. 

bed  by  Jobn  Alcock,  there  his  cloaths  pulled  off.  In  the 
night  it  seems  he  talked  of  ships,  his  master,  father,  and 
nnckle  Ehot.  The  Sabbath  following  Father  went  to  him, 
spake  to  him  to  know  what  ailed  him,  asked  if  he  would 
be  prayed  for,  and  for  what  he  would  desire  his  friends 
to  pray.  He  answered,  for  more  sight  of  sin,  and  God's 
healing  grace.  I  asked  him,  being  alone  with  him,  whether 
his  troubles  were  from  some  outward  cause  or  spiritual. 
He  answered,  spiritual.  I  asked  him  why  then  he  could 
not  tell  it  his  master,  as  well  as  any  other,  since  it  is  the 
honour  of  any  man  to  see  sin  and  be  sorry  for  it.  He 
gave  no  answer,  as  I  remember.  Asked  him  if  he  would 
goe  to  meeting.  He  said,  'twas  in  vain  for  him;  his  day 
was  out.  I  asked,  what  day :  he  answered,  of  Grace.  I 
told  him  'twas  sin  for  any  one  to  conclude  themselves 
Reprobate,  that  this  was  all  one.  He  said  he  would  speak 
more,  but  could  not,  &c.  Notwithstanding  all  this  sem- 
blance (and  much  more  than  is  written)  of  compunction 
for  Sin,  'tis  to  be  feared  that  his  trouble  arose  from  a 
maid  whom  he  passionately  loved :  for  that  when  Mr. 
D wight  and  his  master  had  agreed  to  let  him  goe  to  her, 
he  eftsoons  grew  well. 

^  Friday,  Aug.  25.  I  spake  to  Tim  of  this,  asked  hira 
whether  his  convictions  were  off.  He  answered,  no.  I 
told  him  how  dangerous  it  was  to  make  the  convictions 
wrought  by  God's  spirit  a  stalking  horse  to  any  other 
thing.     Broke  off,  he  being  called  away  by  Sam. 

Sabbath  day,  Aug.  20,  we  heard  the  amazing  newes  of 
sixty  persons  killed  at  Quinebeck,  by  barbarous  Indians, 


'  "  Aug.    3.5.     Capt.  Henchman  began. 
Aug.  12.  7.     Philipus  exit. 

16.  4.     Mr.  Buckley,     ^ii'.  Zech.  Long,  Comr. 
31st.  5.     The  great  ship  stops  in  launching;  falls  on  one  side  out  of 
her  cradle. 
Sept.  11.  2.     Mock  Fight.     Indian  Fight. 

14.  5.     Miss  Brown.     — 16,  7.     "SVheler  Henry."     Almanacs. — 
Eds. 


1676.]  DIARY    OF    SA3IUEL    SEWALL.  17 

of  which  were  Capt.  Lake,  Mr.  Collicot,  Mr.  Padashell. 
Dilati  sunt  in  futurum, 

Aug.  27.  We  hear  of  Major  Talcots  coming  on  Indians 
travailing  towards  Albany,  to  dwell  on  this  side  Connect, 
river.  He  slew  some,  took  others  with  most  of  the 
plunder. 

Aug.  31.  Cousin  Anah  Quinsey  is  taken  ill  of  the  flux, 
accompanied,  as  it  is  said,  with  a  Fever.  Note,  Aunt 
Quinsey  is  providentially  here.  My  dear  Mother,  Mrs. 
Judith  Hull  grows  sick  the  same  night  and  is  extreamly 
distrested. 

Sept.  1.  Her  Face  very  much  swelled.  Night  following, 
Mother's  pains  something  abated  :  humours  dissipated. 

Sept.  3.  Anna  Quinsey  Died  about  ten  of  the  Clock, 
A.  M.  Buried  Monday  Sept.  4.  N.  B.  Cousin  Ana's 
Water  was  carried  to  Dr.  Snelling  on  Sab.  morn.  He 
affirmed  her  not  to  be  dangerously  ill.  My  Father-in- 
Law  from  the  first  feared  her  death,  from  her  trembling 
pulse,  restlessness,  Wormes  coming  away  without  amend- 
ment, and  the  well-looking  of  her  Water,  when  she  was 
manifestly  very  ill. 

Eelations  at  the  Funeral :  Unckle  and  Aunt  Quinsey, 
Parents,  Epr.  Savage,  Ruth  Quinsey,  germans,  Experience, 
whom  my  Father  led,  Sam.  and  Hannah  Sewall,  Cousin 
Henchman,  Pounden.  Bearers,  Henry  Philips,  Tim. 
D wight,  Joseph  Tappi[n],  John  Alcock.  Note.  This  is 
the  first  person  that  I  know  of  buried  out  of  an  house 
where  I  was  then  dwelling.  The  Lord  in  his  mercy 
Sanctify  it  to  me,  and  overcome  death  for  me  by  Jesus 
Christ. 

Sept.  13.  The  after  part  of  the  day  very  rainy.  Note, 
there  were  eight  Indians  shot  to  death  on  the  Comon, 
upon  Wind-mill  hill.  This  day  a  Souldier,  Thom.  Fisk, 
leaves  part  of  a  Libel  here  by  accident.  His  debent.  was 
signed  to  Muddy  River,  when  it  should  have  been  to 
Cambridge,  which  he  came  to  have  altered.     The  paper 


18  DIAEY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1676. 

he  wrapt  them  m  was  wet,  wherefore  I  profered  hnn  dry, 
that  so  his  writings  might  not  be  spoyled.  He  accepted 
it  and  left  his  old  wet  paper,  wliich,  coming  after  into  the 
room,  I  read. 

Sept.  14,  at  night  my  Mother  Hull,  praised  be  God,  had 
comfortable  Rest. 

Sept.  15.  Friday,  received  Letters  by  Mr.  Clark  from 
my  Unckle  St.  Dumer,  to  Father  and  Mother  Sewall, 
where  in  he  informs,  '^  We  do  through  some  difficulty  hear 
Mr.  Cox  most  Lords  dayes."  Letter  to  Mother  of  May 
29,  '76.  In  that  to  my  Father  of  same  dates,  "  Mr.  Quinsey 
is  copying  out  your  Writings.  He  shall  also  take  my  Ac- 
count. I  am  at  a  weak  Hand.  Something  hangs  about 
me  like  a  consumption.  You  must  imploy  some  other 
man  in  your  Buisiness,  for  I  think  I  shall  not  be  able  to 
doe  it.  You  may  see  that  the  Leases  (in  that  of  June 
20,  mentions  onely  Stoak  Lease)  of  your  Bargains  are 
almost  run  out.  You  must  take  some  course  to  new  Let 
your  Land,  or  come  and  live  in  it,  or  else  it  will  lye  to  the 
wide  world,  and  nothing  will  be  made  of  it  &c."  Paulo 
ante.  "  The  Bill  of  <£20  you  ordered  me  to  pay  Tho.  Papil. 
of  London,  I  have  paid,  also  Dr.  Oakes,  Jno.  Saunders' 
Bills.  Mrs.  Hatten's  Bill  is  not  yet  paid.  I  am  out  of 
purse  already,  and  if  I  pay  hers  I  must  borrow  money, 
the  which  I  think  to  doe  this  time,  but  hope  that  you  or 
some  other  of  my  Cousins  will  come  over,  or  get  some 
other  to  doe  your  business  here.  I  have  done  it  a  long 
time,  and  am  unwilling  to  meddle  of  paying  or  receiving 
any  more.  I  desire  you  would  send  me  in  your  next  what 
Goods  and  money  you  have  received  of  mine.  Before 
finishing  my  Letter  in  comes  Mr.  Quinsey,  &c." 

Dear  Bro.,  &c.,  Jonas  Clark  being  at  my  house  about  Miss.  Hat- 
ten's  Bill,  &c.  I  have  been  sick  this  Spring,  and  am  at  a  weak  Hand 
still.  Therefore  did  desire  you  and  doe  still,  that  you  will  now  take 
some  speedy  course  to  have  your  Business  done  by  some  other.  I 
have  sent  you  an  Account,  with  Copyes  of  your  Leases  and  Lee 


1676.]  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  19 

Deeds.  Stoak  Lease  (you  raay  see)  will  quickly  be  out.  The  Tenant 
is  a  good  Tenant,  but  tells  me  he  will  not  give  so  much  Rent,  when 
his  time  is  out.  Amongst  all  your  Writings,  I  can't  find,  nor  never 
did  see  the  Copy  of  your  Bargain  at  Stoake.  Mr.  Clark  told  me 
you  were  resolved,  or  minded,  to  come  over  with  him.  I  should  be 
glad  to  see  you.  It  seems  you  have  charged  another  Bill  upon  me, 
payable  to  Mr.  Papil.  [Papillon]  or  his  order.  I  shall  leave  that  for 
some  other.  I  told  him  he  would  be  paid  as  soon  as  the  money  could 
be  gotten.  I  have  paid  all  the  other  Bills  that  I  could  hear  of.  Thus 
with  my  love,  &g. 

Your  loving  Brother,  Stephen  Dumek. 

June  20,  1676. 

"Dear  Sister,  —  From  what  I  heard  from  Mr.  Clark  I  have 
great  hopes  that  your  enemyes,  the  Indians,  are  conquered  before 
this.  Yourselves  and  troubles  have  been  much  upon  my  spirit.  I 
should  be  glad  to  hear  of  the  prosperity  of  New  England.  I  have  so 
much  love  to  you  and  the  Country  that,  had  I  my  health,  I  could  will- 
ingly undertake  the  journey  to  see  you.  But  I  was  very  glad  to  hear 
that  God  had  preserved  you  and  yours,  when  so  many  have  lost  their 
lives  and  Estates.  Its  a  time  of  great  sufferings  in  many  places  of 
the  World.  London  and  several  other  towns  have  had  great  loss  by 
fire  this  summer.  Its  said  a  1000  houses  burnt  at  London,  in  South- 
worke ;  and  its  judged  set  on  fire  by  Rogues.  Yet,  through  great 
mercy,  we  enjoy  the  Gospel,  though  it  be  with  some  hazard.  I  hope 
it  will  please  God  to  continue  his  Gospel  to  poor  England,  for  I  hope 
here  are  many  thousands  that  have  not  bowed  the  knee  to  Baal.  I 
think  I  writ  to  you  in  my  last  of  the  death  of  sister  Sarah.  She  hath 
left  two  children.  They  are  far  from  us,  8  miles  beyond  Chichester, 
and  so  can  hear  from  them  or  see  them  but  seldom,  &c.  I  have 
desired  my  Brother,  your  Husband,  to  receive,  and  send  you  your 
Rents.     My  Reason  chiefly  is  because  I  am  very  unhealthy. 

Yours,  &c., 

Stephen  Dummer." 
June  20,  76. 


In  the  Letter  to  Father  of  May  24,  76  :  "I  find  that 
you  are  Debtor,  £24.  4.  2.  which,  when  I  have  received, 
He  meddle  no  more."  Here  followeth  a  Copy  of  the 
Account. 


2U  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1676. 

Disbursements  at  several  times  and  for  several  things   .  £515.  14.  2. 

More  to  Mrs.  Hatten, 010.  00.  0. 

This  Account  till  March  26,  1676. 
Receipts : 

Fifteen  years  Rent  at  Lee £300.  00.  00. 

Thirteen  years  Rent  at  Stoke 275.  10.  00. 

Two  years  at  Stoke  when  the  land  was  cast  on  me,        .     020.  00.  00. 

The  Total 495.  10.  00. 

This  Account  is  till  Lady-day,  1676. 

.  From  me 

Stephen  Dumer." 

My  Aunt  Mehetabel  writes  to  Mother,  May  26,  76. 
Informs  that  she  hath  four  children  living,  viz :  Thomas, 
Robert,  Jane  and  Mehetabel.  Cousin  Thomas,  enclosed 
"  We  have  been  in  many  fears  for  you,  because  your 
enemies  are  many,  both  at  home  and  abroad.  But  I  hope 
the  Lord  will  deHver  you  out  of  all  their  Hands,  in  his 
due  time." 

Unckles  of  May  29,  saith  ''  before  I  finished  my  Letter, 
in  comes  Mr.  Quinsey.  Mr.  Quinsey's  to  me  from  Lon- 
don, is  dated  May  27,  so  that  Mr.  Quinsey  made  very 
little  stay  at  Bishop  Stoke :  ex  consequentia. 

Sept.  16,  '76.  Mother  Hull  rested  not  so  well  on  Friday 
night,  as  before.  Mrs.  Brown  was  buried,  who  died  on 
Thursday  night  before,  about  10  o'clock.  Note.  I  holp 
carry  her  part  of  the  way  to  the  Grave.  Put  in  a  wooden 
Chest. 

Sept.  18.  Mr.  Broughton  and  his  son  George  being 
here,  said  Mr.  George  agreed  to  deliver  up  his  Writings 
of  the  Mills,  and  give  up  the  management  of  it  to  Father 
Hull.  Mement.  sent  Letters  to  Newbury  by  Mr.  G.  B. 
imjmmis,  a  little  packet  6  Letters,  Stoke  Lease,  Unckles 
Account,  one  letter,  which  had  enclosed  two  from  England 
to  my  Father,  Unckle  Riders,  Mary  Gouldings :  one  to 
Mrs.  Noyes,  the  last  to  Richard  Smith. 

Mr.  Reyner,  of  Sept.  25,  saith  that  their  Indian  Messen- 
gers returned  the  night  before,  and  informed  they  saw 


1676.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  21 

two  Indians  dead,  their  Scalps  taken  oE ;  one  of  them  was 
Canonicus  his  Captain.  'Tis  judged  that  Canonicus  him- 
self is  also  killed  or  taken  by  the  same  Hand,  viz,  of  the 
Mohawks. 

This  day,  viz,  Sept.  18.  Goodman  Dull,  meets  with  a 
Lively  Spring,  the  Well  23  foot  deep. 

Sept.  19.  Mane,  Eliza  Alcock  informs  that  Mother  had 
a  good  night,  though  she  Rested  ill  on  Sabbath  day  night. 
Laus  Deo  qui  orationem  non  vult  non  exaudire. 

Sept.  20.  Judith  Hull  slept  better  last  night  than  at 
all  since  her  sickness.     Note,  mark  Kerseyes,  &c. 

Sept.  21,  '76.  Stephen  Goble  of  Concord,  was  executed 
for  murder  of  Indians :  three  Indians  for  firing  Eames  his 
house,  and  murder.  The  wether  w^as  cloudy  and  rawly 
cold,  though  little  or  no  rain.  Mr.  Mighil  prayed :  four 
others  sate  on  the  Gallows,  two  men  and  two  impudent 
Women,  one  of  which,  at  least.  Laughed  on  the  Gallows, 
as  several  testified.  Mothers  last  nights  rest  was  inferiour 
to  the  former.  Dr.  Brackenbury  called  in  here.  Note. 
Mr.  Joseph  Gillam  comes  in  from  St.  Michaels,  five  weeks 
pasage,  Loading,  Wheat,  Wine. 

Sept.  22,  Spent  the  day  from  9  in  the  M.  with  Mr. 
[Dr.]  Brakenbury,  Mr.  Thomson,  Butler,  Hooper,  Cragg, 
Pemberton,  dissecting  the  middlemost  of  the  Indian  exe- 
cuted the  day  before,  x  [Hooper]  who,  taking  the  (^  in 
his  hand,  affirmed  it  to  be  the  stomack.  I  spent  18s.,  6d, 
in  Ale,  6d  in  Madera  Wine,  and  6d  I  gave  to  the  maid. 

Sept.  23.  Looked  into  Mr.  Eussels  Accompts.  Mother 
rests  indifferent  well  now  a-nights.  Father  ill  of  a  pain 
caused  in  his  shoulder,  and  then  on  his  left  side,  by  reason 
of  taking  cold. 

Mr.  Reynor,  in  a  Letter  dated  at  Salisbury,  Sept.  21, 
'76.,  hath  these  passages :  "  God  still  is  at  work  for  us. 
One-ey'd  John,  with  about  45  of  your  Southern  Indians, 
have  been  apprehended  since  the  Souldiers  went  East- 
ward.    They  we  judge  them  All  of  our  Southern  Indians. 


22  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1676. 

And  nothing  yet  lately  heard  of  damage  in  the  Eastern 
parts.  A  Sagamore  of  Quapaug  is  one  of  the  Indians 
taken  and  sent.  Canonicus  we  believe  was  killed  by  the 
Mohawks,  when  his  Captain  was  slain.  N.  B.  We  have 
in  our  Business  here  great  discoveries  of  our  shameful 
Natures.  Pray  that  the  San ctifi cation  and  Reconciliation 
by  Xt.  may  prevail  to  his  honour." 

Sept.  26,  Tuesday,  Dr.  Hawkins  takes  away  from  my 
Mother  Hull  about  4  ounces  of  blood.  Sagamore  Sam 
goes,  and  Daniel  Goble  is  drawn  in  a  Cart  upon  bed 
cloaths  to  Execution.  T.  Mat.  Tep.  pomor.  [?]  One  ey'd 
John,  Maliompe,  Sagamore  of  Quapaug,  General  at  Lan- 
caster, &c,  Jethro,  (the  Father)  walk  to  the  Gallows. 
Note.  One  ey'd  John  accuses  Sag.  John  to  have  fired  the 
first  at  Quapaug,  and  killed  Capt.  Hutchison.  Mothers 
two  last  nights  were  very  restless. 

Sep.  27,  Brother  John  Sewall  came  to  visit  me.  Told 
me  of  my  friends  Wellfare,  and  of  the  death  of  Goodman 
Titcomb  last  Sabbath  day,  after  about  a  fortnight  sickness 
of  the  Fever  and  Ague.  One  week  or  thereabout  lay 
regardless  of  any  person,  and  in  great  pain. 

Sept.  28.  Brought  my  Brother  John  going  so  far  as 
the  little  Locust  tree,  beyond  the  Causy,  on  the  Neck. 

Sept.  30.  This  morn,  about  the  dawning  of  the  day, 
H.  Sewall  is  called  up  by  the  Flux,  which  it  seems  troubled 
her  Friday  in  the  afternoon,  though  unknown  to  me. 

Oct.  1,  Sabbath  day.  The  last  night  H.  Sewall  rose 
twice.  Had  sundry  Stools  this  day.  Mother  recovers 
more  and  more.  Oct.  2.  H.  S.  had  a  very  ill  night  and 
day.  Oct.  3.  Last  night  I  watched.  Han.  S.  had  an 
extream  restless  night.  8  or  10  Stools.  Dr.  Brackenbury 
advises  to  Diacodium  to  move  Rest,  and  approves  Pep- 
par  boyled  in  Milk  and  Water,  alike  of  each.  Diacod. 
6  ounces.  Mother  hath  scarce  any  Rest.  Oct.  4.  Mrs. 
Herlakendine  Simonds  watches  :  two  stools.  Considerable 
sleep.     6  ounces  Diacod.     I  lodge  in  the  Chamber  over 


1876.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  23 

the  Kitchen.  Mother  hath  a  very  ill  night:  concerned 
for  her  daughter.  I  should  have  noted  before  that  Dr. 
Brackenburj  said  such  malignity  in  the  lower  bowels  w^as 
most  times  accompanied  with  an  extream  binding  in  the 
upper,  and  therefore  things  tending  to  solubility  most 
proper,  though  he  was  loath  to  give  an  absolute  purge 
unless  necessity  required.  Monday,  first  visit  in  the  even. 
Tuesday  two  visits,  to-day  one. 

Oct.  5.  Wednesday.  I  lodge  with  my  wife.  Nurse 
Hurd  w^atches.  But  one  Stool,  that  in  the  morn.,  tho. 
slept  not  all  night,  yet  rested  indifferently.  Note.  Mother 
had  very  little  or  no  sleep.  Chirur.  Hawkins  Breaths 
two  veins  in  her  Foot,  takes  away  about  7  or  8  ounces  of 
blood.  Drs.  Brakenbury  and  Avery  present.  Dr.  Avery 
saith  the  Diacodion  would  render  persons  faint.  News  of 
Canon.  Squaw  and  Sonne  taken  at  Salmon  Falls  Mill,  being 
seen  as  they  went  over  the  Boom.  Information  of  Canon, 
being  killed  by  Mohawks,  (according  wdth  the  first  Story, 
and  that  they  had  not  seen  a  fire  of  some  weeks  eastward. 
Wife  rose  in  Lecture  time. 

Oct.  6.  One  Stool.  I  rose  about  10.,  went  not  to  bed 
again.  Betty  is  taken  ill.  Mother  rests  finerly,  had  not 
Betty  been  ill.  My  wife  sits  up  almost  all  day,  without 
faintness :  so  that  I  mistrust  Diacodion.  Oct.  7.  last 
night,  H.  and  S.  S.  sleep  together  (small  intervals  except) 
till  break  of  day,  then  I  rise.  She  hath  one  Stool.  Mother 
hath  little  or  no  sleep :  Betty  no  good  night.  Cousin 
Mary  Savage  dies  about  noon.  Oct.  8.  Last  night  no 
Stool :  all  3  sick  persons  had  a  very  good  night,  praised 
be  God.  Note,  this  Even.  Mr.  [Dr.]  Brak.  visits  Mother, 
Wife ;  Dr.  Alcock,  Betty :  both  together  at  our  chamber. 
Oct.  9.  Sabbath  night  a  good  night  of  all  hands.  An 
hard  Frost,  Teste  Isabele  Pierce  Nutrice. 

Oct.  9.  Cousin  Mary  Savage  buried  in  the  afternoon. 
Father  and  I  at  the  Funeral. 

Bro.  Stephen  visits  me  in  the  evening  and  tells  me 


24  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1676 

of  a  sad  accident  at  Salem  last  Friday.  A  youth,  when 
fowling,  saw  one  by  a  pond  with  black  hair,  and  was 
thereat  frighted,  supposing  the  person  to  be  an  Indian, 
and  so  shot  and  killed  him :  came  home  flying  with  the 
fright  for  fear  of  more  Indians.  The  next  day  found  to 
be  an  Englishman  shot  dead.     The  Actour  in  prison. 

Mr.  Dwight  tells  that  the  Minister,  Mr.  Woodward, 
dyed  ravingly  distracted.     Dei  Semitce  investigabit. 

Oct.  10.  Last  night,  H.  S.  somewhat  feverish,  slept 
not  so  weU  as  formerly,  yet  indifferently ;  cheerly  not- 
withstanding, this  day.  Violent  rain  and  cold.  Oct.  II. 
Had  a  comfortable  night,  tho.  rose  once.  Oct.  12.  Had 
a  comfortable  night.  Betty  extream  ill  of  the  bloody 
Flux,  which  almost  casts  Mother  down. 

^  Note,  went  not  to  Lecture  Two  Indians  executed. 

Oct.  13.  Mother  and  wife  had  a  good  night.  Betty 
indifferent.  Mement.  Made  an  Hen  Coop.  Mr.  Clark 
came  and  stood  by  me.  He,  Capt.  Henchman,  C.  Green, 
Mrs.  Flint,  Mrs.  Plaisted,  dined  with  me. 

Gave  Mrs.  Williams  Letter  and  my  own  to  Mr.  Brough- 
ton  to  be  given  Mr.  Hill  for  conveyance. 

Oct.  14.  Last  night  very  comfortable  to  wife  and 
Mother.  Oct.  15,  a  good  night.  This  day  we  have  intel- 
ligence that  the  Garrison  at  Blackpoint  is  surrendered  to 
the  Indians.  Note,  Capt.  Scottow  at  home,  here  at  Bos- 
ton. 

16.  Good  night.  Mr.  Brackenbury,  the  17*^.  Best 
night  that  mother  has  yet  had,  slept  without  so  much  as 
dreaming.  18,  19,  20,  all  Good  nights.  Mother  con- 
versant in  the  Kitchen  and  our  chamber.  My  Wife  every 
day  since  the  Sabbath  goes  to  Mothers  chamber  without 
hurt.     21    Good  night,  all  Hands.     Cousin  Reynor  comes 

*  "  Oct.  12  (Thurs.)  turned  to  a  fast,  and  two  Indians  executed. 

30,  2,     Anderson  sets  sail. 

Nov.  4,  7,     Mugge  comes  in. 

Dec.   4,2.     Gillam  sails."     Almanacs.  —  Eds. 


1676.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  25 

to  Town :  in  the  night  passes  to  Braintrey,  because  of  's 
wife  there. 

A  Copy  of  the  first  Letter  I  ever  wrote  to  my  Cousin, 
Mr.  Edward  Hull : 

Mr.  Edward  H.  and  Loving  Cousin,  Although  I  never  saw  you, 
yet  your  Name,  Affinity  to  me,  and  what  I  have  heard  concerning 
you,  make  me  desirous  of  your  acquaintance  and  Correspondence. 
Your  Remembrance  to  me  in  my  Father's  I  take  very  kindly.  And 
I,  with  your  Cousin,  my  Wife,  do  by  these,  heartily  re-salute  you. 
My  Wife  hath  been  dangerously  ill,  yet  is  now  finely  recovered  and 
getting  strength.  It  hath  been  generally  a  sick  summer  with  us. 
The  Autumn  promiseth  better.  As  to  our  enemies,  God  hath,  in  a 
great  measure,  given  us  to  see  our  desire  on  them.  Most  Ring 
leaders  in  the  late  Massacre  have  themselves  had  blood  to  drink, 
ending  their  lives  by  Bullets  and  Halters.  Yet  there  is  some  trouble 
and  bloodshed  still  in  the  more  remote  Eastern  parts.  What  is  past 
hath  been  so  far  from  ushering  in  a  Famine,  that  all  sorts  of  Grain 
are  very  plenty  and  cheap.  Sir,  my  Father  in  Law  hath  consigned 
to  yourself  two  hh  of  Peltry,  to  be  for  his  and  my  joint  Account,  as 
you  will  see  by  the  Letter  and  Invoice.  I  shall  not  need  to  entreat 
your  utmost  care  for  the  best  Disposal  of  them  according  to  what  is 
prescribed  you :  which  shall  oblige  the  writer  of  these  Lines,  your 
loving  friend  and  Kinsman, 

Samuel  Sewall. 
Boston,  Oct.  23,  1676. 

Now  dies  Capt.  Tho.  Russel,  well  the  preceding  Sab- 
bath, and  intended  for  England  in  Mr.  Anderson.  Homo 
prop.  Dens  disp.  Omnia.  Mother  slept  not  so  well  as 
formerly,  yet  went  to  Church  in  the  Afternoon. 

Oct.  23.  Went  from  Boston  about  ^yq  T.  R^  to  Mil- 
ton, there  accidentally  meeting  with  Moses  Collier,  Mr. 
Senderlen  and  I  went  on  to  Hingham,  to  John  Jacobs. 
Oct.  24,  Tuesday,  went  from  thence  to  Plymouth,  about 
noon;  refreshed  there.  Note,  James  Percival  met  us 
there,  and  so  we  went  cheerfully  together  from  thence 
about  2.  T.  P. ;  got  to  Sandwich  about  a  quarter  of  an 

1  This  same  contraction  occurs  below.  We  find,  by  the  entry  on  p.  489, 
that  it  stands  for  tenpore  post-meridiano.  —  Eds. 


26  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1676. 

hour  by  sun:  lodged  at  Percivals  with  Mr.  Senderlen. 
Oct.  25,  Wednesday,  Breakfasted  at  Stephen  Skiphs.  He, 
Percival  and  I  rode  out  about  12  miles,  within  sight  of 
Marthah's  Vinyard,  to  look  Horses :  at  last  happily  came 
on  11,  whereof  five  my  Fathers,  viz,  three  chessnut  col- 
oured Mares,  and  2  Colts  :  put  them  in  Mr.  Bourns  sheep- 
pen  all  night.  Note.  Supped  at  Mr.  Smiths,  good  Sup- 
per. Oct.  26,  Thursday,  Took  up  the  young  four  yeer  old 
Mare,  slit  the  two  near  ears  of  the  Colts,  their  colour  was 
a  chesnut  Sorrel,  whiteish  Manes  and  Tails.  The  Bigger 
had  all  his  Hoofs  white  :  the  Lesser  all  black.  Both  Stone- 
Colts.  The  Hair  of  the  Tails  cut  square  with  a  knife. 
After  this  Mr.  Smith  rode  with  me  and  shewed  me  the 
place  which  some  had  thought  to  cut,  for  to  make  a  pas- 
sage from  the  South  Sea  to  the  North :  said  'twas  about  a 
mile  and  a  half  between  the  utmost  flowing  of  the  two 
Seas  in  Herring  River  and  Scusset,  the  land  very  low  and 
level,  Herrin  Kiver  exceeding  Pleasant  by  reason  that  it 
runs  pretty  broad,  shallow,  of  an  equal  depth,  and  upon 
white  sand.  Showed  me  also  the  3  Hills  on  the  which  4 
towns  kept  Warders,  before  which  was  such  an  Isthmus 
of  about  3  miles  and  barren  plain,  that  scarce  any  thing 
might  pass  unseen.  Moniment  Harbour  said  to  be  very 
good.  Note.  Had  a  very  good  Supper  at  Mr.  Dexter's. 
Being  in  trouble  how  to  bring  along  my  Mare,  in  came 
one  Downing  and  Benjamin  his  son,  who,  being  asked,  to 
my  gladness  promised  Assistance.  Oct.  27,  Got  very  well 
to  Plymouth,  Tailing  my  Mare,  and  Ben  strapping  her  on, 
though  we  were  fain  to  come  over  the  Clifts  the  upper 
way  because  of  the  flowing  Tide.  There  saw  Acorns  upon 
bushes  about  a  foot  high,  which  they  call  running  Oak ; 
it  is  content  with  that  Stature.  From  Plimouth  Ben  and 
's  father  mounted  a  Trifle  before  me,  I  waved  my  Hat 
and  Hankerchief  to  them,  but  they  left  me  to  toil  with 
my  tired  jade  :  was  fain  at  last  to  untail  and  so  drive  them 
before  me,  at  last  ride  and  lead  the  Mare  with  great  diffi- 


1676.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  27 

culty.  When  came  to  Jones  his  Bridge,  (supposing  the 
ho,use  had  been  just  by)  put  the  bridle  on  the  Horses 
neck,  drove  him  on  the  Bridge,  holding  the  Halter  in  my 
Hand.  When  I  came  on  the  other  side,  could  not  catch 
my  Horse,  but  tired  myself  leading  my  tired  Mare  some- 
times on  the  left  Hand  into  the  Marsh,  sometimes  on  the 
right  Hand :  at  last  left  him,  went  to  the  Bridge  to  ensure 
myself  of  the  path,  so  led  her  to  Tracies  about  ^  mile.  He 
not  at  Home,  could  scarce  get  them  to  entertain  me,  though 
'twas  night.  At  length  his  son  John  put  up  my  Mare, 
then  took  up  his  own  Horse,  and  so  helped  me  to  look 
for  mine,  but  could  not  find  him :  after  his  Father  and  he 
went  on  foot,  and  met  him  almost  at  the  House,  Saddle 
Cover  lost,  which  John  found  in  the  Morn.  Oct.  28, 
Saturday,  Goodman  Tracy  directed  and  set  me  in  the 
way,  so  I  went  all  alone  to  the  end,  almost,  of  rocky 
plain,  then,  by  God's  good  providence,  Mr.  Senderlen 
overtook  me,  so  we  came  along  cheerfully  together,  called 
at  my  Aunt's  [in  Braintree],  refreshed,  left  my  tired  jade 
there,  set  out  to  Boston  ward  about  half  an  hour  by  Sun, 
and  got  well  home  before  shutting  in.  Praised  be  God. 
Note.  Seeing  the  wonderfull  works  of  God  in  the  jour- 
neye,  I  was  thereby  more  pers waded  of  his  justice,  and 
inhability  to  do  any  wrong :  put  in  mind  likewise  of  Mr. 
Thachers  Sermon,  Oct.  22. 

The  Humble  Springs  of  stately  Sandwich  Beach 

To  all  Inferiours  may  observance  teach, 

They  (without  Complement)  do  all  concur, 

Praying  the  Sea,  Accept  our  Duty,  Sir, 

He  mild  severe,  I've  (now)  no  need :  and  when  — 

As  you  are  come :  go  back  and  come  agen. 

Novem.  6.  Very  Cold  blustering  wether.  Note,  I  and 
John  went  on  board,  of  Mr.  Downe,  to  see  Father's  Horse 
and  my  Mare  Shipped.  7,  clear  wether.  Wednesday, 
cloudy.  In  the  night  great  deal  of  rain  fell.  Thurs. 
Thanksgiving  day,  cloudy,  soul  try,  wind,  S.  E.     Friday, 


28  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1676. 

Nov.  10  clears  up,  westerly,  wind  roars.  Mr.  Downe  sets 
sail.  » 

Nov.  11.  Brave,  mild,  clear  whether,  and  fresh  Gale 
of  Wind. 

Novem.  27,  1676,  about  5  M.      Boston's  greatest  Fire^ 


1  This  was  the  second  great  fire  in  Boston,  the  first  being  in  1653.  Hub- 
bard, in  his  "Narrative  of  the  Troubles,"  &c.,  p.  115,  writes  :  "  After  all 
the  forementioned  Calamities  and  Troubles,  it  pleased  God  to  alarm  the 
Town  of  Boston,  and  in  them  the  whole  Country,  by  a  sad  Fire,  accidentally 
Kindled  by  the  Carelessness  of  an  Apprentice  that  sat  up  too  late  over  Night, 
as  was  conceived  ;  which  began  an  Hour  before  Day,  continuing  three  or 
four,  in  which  Time  it  burned  down  to  the  Ground  forty  six  Dwelling 
Houses,  besides  other  Buildings,  together  with  a  Meeting-house  of  consid- 
erable bigness :  some  Mercy  was  observed  mixt  with  the  Judgment :  for  if  a 
great  Rain  had  not  continued  all  the  Time,  (the  Roofs  and  Walls  of  their 
ordinary  Buildings  consisting  of  such  combustible  Matter)  that  whole  end  of 
the  Town  had  at  that  Time  been  consumed." 

Hutchinson  (Hist.  I.  SiO)  copies  from  an  interleaved  almanack,  the 
following  account :  — 

"  Nov.  27,  1676.  A  fire  broke  out  in  Boston,  about  5  in  the  morning,  at 
one  Wakefield's  house,  by  the  Red  Lion,  by  a  candle  carelessly  set,  which  so 
prevailed,  that  it  burnt  down  about  45  dwelling-houses,  the  north  meeting- 
house, and  several  warehouses;  the  wind  was  at  south-east  when  it  began 
and  blew  hard;  soon  after  it  veered  south,  and  brought  so  much  rain  as  much 
prevented  further  mischief,  without  which,  all  that  end  of  the  town  had  prob- 
ably been  laid  in  ashes,  and  Charlestown  also  endangered,  by  the  flakes  of 
fire  which  were  carried  over  the  river." 

The  church  thus  burned  was  that  of  Rev.  Increase  Mather,  of  whom  the 
following  story  is  told  by  his  son  in  his  "  Remarkables,"  pp.  78,  79  :  — 

"  In  the  Year,  1676,  he  had  a  strange  Impression  on  his  mind  that  caused 
him,  on  Nov  19,  to  Preach  a  Sermon  on  those  Words,  Zeph.,  iii.  7 —  ... 
r.'iid  Conclude  the  Sermon  with  a  Strange  Prediction,  That  a  Fire  was  a  com- 
ing, which  would  make  a  Deplorable  Desolation.  ...  At  the  same  time,  he 
Eai-nestly  urged  upon  his  Consort,  a  Speedy  Change  of  Habitation  ;  which 
could  not  be  Accomplished.  On  the  next  Lords-Day,  he  preached,  Not  aware 
of  its  b;^iug  so,  a  Farewel-sermon,  on  those  Words,  Rev.  iii.  3." 

''  The  very  Night  following,  a  Desolating  Fire  broke  forth  in  his  Neigh- 
borhood. The  House  in  which  he  with  his  Flock,  had  Praised  God,  was 
Bui-nt  with  the  Fire.  Wliole  Streets  were  Consumed  in  the  Devouring 
Flames,  and  laid  in  Ashes.  His  own  House  also  took  a  part  in  the  Ruines: 
But  by  the  Gracious  Providence  of  God,  he  lost  little  of  his  Beloved  Library: 
Not  an  Hundred  Books  from  above  a  Thousand:  Of  these  also  he  had  an 
immediate  Recruit,  by  a  Generous  Offer  which  the  Honourable  Mi's.  Bridget 
Hoar  made  him,  to  take  what  he  Pleased  from  jhe  Library  of  her  Deceased 
Husband.      In  less  than  Two  Years  also,  he  became  Owner  of  a  Better 


1676.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  29 

brake  forth  at  Mr.  Moors,  through  the  default  of  a  Tay- 
lour  Boy,  who  rising  alone  and  early  to  work,  fell  asleep 
and  let  his  Light  fire  the  House,  which  gave  fire  to  the 
next,  so  that  about  fifty  Landlords  were  despoyled  of  their 
Housing.  N.  B.  The  House  of  the  Man  of  God,  Mr. 
Mather,  and  Gods  House  were  burnt  with  fire.  Yet  God 
mingled  mercy,  and  sent  a  considerable  rain,  which  gave 
check  in  great  measure  to  the  (otherwise)  masterless 
flames :  lasted  all  the  time  of  the  fire,  though  fair  before 
and  after.  Mr.  Mather  saved  his  Books  and  other  Goods. 
Dec.  12,  Mr.  Ben.  Davis  came  from  on  Board  Boon  at 
Marthah's  Vinyard  to  Boston  on  foot.  Dec.  13,  Cousin 
Savage,  my  wife  and  self,  visited  Mr.  Hezekiah  Usher  and 
his  wife  (Note,  that  she  spake  for  Jane)  where  saw  Mr. 
Davis.  This  day  at  even  went  to  a  private  meeting  held 
at  Mr.  Nath.  Williams's.  Emaus  Smith  spake  well  to  Script. 
Philip  2.3.  latter  part.  Smith  spake  more  to  my  satisfac- 
tion than  before.  Note,  The  first  Conference  meeting 
that  ever  I  was  at,  was  at  our  House,  Aug.  30,  '76  at  which 
Anna  Quinsey  was  standing  against  the  Closet  door  next 
the  Entry.  Mr.  Smith  spake  to  Ps.  119.  9.  The  next  was 
Oct.  18,  at  Mrs.  Olivers :  Capt.  Henchman  spake  well  to 
Heb.  6.  18. 

The  Wednesday  following  I  was  at  Sandwich. 

The  3^  at  Mr.  Hill's.  Goodm.  Needam  and  my  Father 
spake  to  Heb.  3.  12.  Nov.  1. 

The  4^^,  Nov.  15,  at  Mr.  Wings  where  Mr.  Willard  spake 
well  to  that  proper  place,  Malach,  3,  16. 

The  5^^,  at  Mrs.  Tappins,  where  Mr.  Sanford  and  Mr. 
Noyes  spake  to  1  Peter,  5.  7.  Nov.  22.  Mr.  Fox  prayed 
after.  6*^,  Nov.  29,  at  Mrs.  Aldens,  where  Mr.  Williams 
and  Wing  spake  to  Heb.  5.  7.     Dec.  6.  no  meeting  because 

House:  and  though  his  Flock  was  now  Scattered,  for  several  months,  God 
made  it  an  opportunity  for  him  to  Preach  every  Lords-Day  in  the  other 
Churches,  and  Entertain  successively  the  whole  City  with  his  Enlightening 
and  Awakening  Ministry." — Eds. 


30  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1676. 

of  the  ensuing  Fast.  The  7*^.  at  Mr.  Williams's  mentioned 
first. 

Dec.  14, 1676,  Seth  Shove  was  brought  to  our  House  to 
dwell,  i.  e.  Father  Hull's.  N.  B.  In  the  evening,  seeing  a 
shagged  dogg  in  the  Kitchin,  I  spake  to  John  Alcock,  / 
am  afraid  we  shall  he  troubled  with  the  ugly  dogg :  where- 
upon John  asked  which  way  he  went.  I  said  out  at  the 
Street  door.  He  presently  went  that  way,  and  meeting 
Seth  (who  went  out  a  little  before)  took  him  for  the  dogg, 
and  smote  him  so  hard  upon  the  bare  head  with  a  pipe 
staff,  or  something  like  it,  that  it  grieved  me  that  he  had 
strook  the  dogg  so  hard.  There  arose  a  considerable 
wheal  in  the  childs  head,  but  it  seems  the  weapon  smote 
him  plain,  for  the  Rising  was  almost  from  the  forehead  to 
the  Crown,  grew  well  quickly,  wearing  a  Cap  that  night. 
'Twas  God's  mercy  the  stick  and  manner  of  the  blow  was 
not  such  as  to  have  spilled  his  Brains  on  the  Ground. 
The  Devil,  (I  think)  seemed  to  be  angry  at  the  childs 
coming  to  dwell  here.     Written,  Dec.  18,  '76. 

Dec.  18,  Mr.  Rowlandson  and  Mr.  Willard  came  and 
visited  my  Father.  While  they  were  here,  Mr.  Shepard 
also  came  in  and  discoursed  of  Reformation,  especially  the 
disorderly  Meetings  of  Quakers  and  Anabaptists :  thought 
if  all  did  agree,  i.  e.  Magistrates  and  Ministers,  the  former 
might  easily  be  suprest,  and  that  then,  The  Magistrates 
would  see  reason  to  Handle  the  latter.  As  to  what  it 
might  injure  the  country  in  respect  of  England,  trust  God 
with  it.  Wished,  (speaking  of  Mr.  Dean's)  that  all  the 
children  in  the  country  were  baptised,  that  religion  with- 
out it  come  to  nothing.  Before  Mr.  Shepards  coming  in, 
one  might  gather  by  Mr.  Willards  speech  that  there  was 
some  Animosity  in  him  toward  Mr.  Mather :  for  that  he 
said  he  chose  the  Afternoon  that  so  he  might  have  a  copi- 
ous auditory :  and  that  when  the  Town  House  was  offered 
him  to  preach  to  his  Church  distinct,  said  he  would  not 
preach  in  a  corner. 


1676.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  31 

Dec.  20,  Went  to  the  Meeting  at  Capt.  Scottows,  where 
Edward  Allin  and  John  Hay  ward  spoke  to  Pro  v.  3.  11. 
How  get  such  a  Frame  as  neither  to  Faint  nor  Despise. 
(8)  meeting.  Mrs.  Usher  lyes  very  sick  of  an  Inflammation 
in  the  Throat,  which  began  on  Monday.  Called  at  her 
House  coming  home,  to  tell  Mr.  Fosterling's  Receipt,  I.  e, 
A  Swallows  Nest  (the  inside)  stamped  and  applied  to  the 
throat  outwardly. 

Vce  malum,  Dec.  21,  being  Thorsday,  Worthy  Mr. 
Reyner  ^  fell  asleep  :  was  taken  with  a  violent  vomiting  the 
Friday  before.  Lightheaded  by  Saturday,  Lay  speechless 
24  hours,  and  then  died  on  Thorsday  even.  We  heard 
not  that  he  was  sick  till  Friday  about  9  at  night:  on 
the  Sabbath  morn,  comes  William  Furbur  and  brings  the 
newes  of  Death.  After  last  Exercise  Father  dispatches 
Tim  to  Braintry.  Monday  morn.  Uncle  and  Tim  come 
back.  Uncle  concludes  from  the  Winter,  his  own  infirm- 
ity and  my  Cousins  indisposedness,  to  dispatch  away  Wm. 
Furbur  with  Letters  onely.  0  how  earnestly  did  I  expect 
his  coming  hether,  and  say  with  myseK,  what  makes  him 
stay  so  long  ?  I  might  have  seen  him  as  I  went  to  Sand- 
wich, but  God  had  appointed  I  should  see  him  no  more. 
The  Lord  that  lives  forever,  grant  us  a  comfortable  joyous 
meeting  at  Christ's  appearance.  Note.  None  of  us  saw 
Mr.  Reyner  Oct.  21,  for  he  posted  to  Brain  trey  in  the 
night,  and  he  went  back  when  I  was  at  Sandwich. 

I  suppose  the  last  time  that  I  saw  and  discoursed  him 
was  —  [blank].  He  was  here  with  Mr.  Broughton  earn- 
estly urging  to  make  sure  Lands  of  Mr.  Broughton  at 
Dover  to  my  Father,  and  so  take  him  Paymaster  for  the 
Anuity  laid  on  it.  Mr.  Broughton  withstood,  and  Mr. 
Reyner  feared  it  was  because  he  would  not  let  it  go  out 
of  his  hands,  though  he  pretended  other  things  and  seemed 
to  reflect  on  Mr.  Reyner.      Note.    Mr.  Reyner  and  I  dis- 

1  This  was  Rev.  John  Reyner,  Jr.,  of  Dover,  who  married  Judith  Quincy, 
own  cousii.  to  Sewall's  wife.  —  Eds. 


32  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [167f 

coursed  of  it  in  the  orchard,  and  he  professed  his  integrity 
in  it,  and  that  he  thought  Father  would  never  have  it 
sure,  if  not  that  way.  Advised  me  not  to  keep  over  much 
within,  but  goe  among  men,  and  that  thereby  I  should 
advantage  myself. 

^  Decern.  27.  Ninth  Meeting  that  I  have  been  at.  Which 
was  at  Edward  Allin's.  Script.  Jer.  10.  24.  N.  B.  Mr. 
Moody  got  me  to  supply  his  room :  Capt.  Scottow  con- 
cluded. 

Dec.  28.  Mr.  Willard  preaches.  N.  B.  I  got  but  just 
to  hear  the  text.  This  day  pleasant  and  smiling  were  it 
not  the  day  of  Mr.  Eeyner's  Funeral. 

Dec.  30,  Saturday.  Capt.  Henchman  and  I  witnessed 
Mr.  Dudlyes  Comission  for  collecting  the  Customs. 

January  3,  167f .  Mr.  Nath.  Oliver  and  Elizabetha  Brat- 
tle, a  Simon  Bradstreet,  equit.  conmihio  junguntur.  Note. 
This  day  we  have  intelligence  of  Boon's  being  at  Eoad 
Hand. 

Jan.  6.  Note.  Mr.  Dean  came  hether  this  morning, 
and  spent  a  considerable  time  in  discoursing  my  Father. 
Advised  me  to  Acquaint  myself  with  Merchants,  and  In- 
vited me  (courteously)  to  their  Caballs.  A  great  deal  of 
rain  last  night  and  former  part  of  this  day. 

Jan.  8.  Bro.  Stephen  came  to  see  us  in  the  even :  I 
walked  out  after  Su]5er  and  discoursed  with  him. 

Jan.  9.  Tuesday,  at  noon  stepped  out  and  visited  Mr. 
Nath.  and  Eliza.  Oliver.     Snowy  day. 

Jan.  10.  Cloudy,  Cold,  noren  wind.  Note,  went  on 
foot  to  Mr.  Flints  at  Dorchester,  there  to  be  in  the  com- 
pany of  Ministers :  but  none  came  save  Mr.  Torry.  Mr. 
Fisk  was  gone  to  his  sick  Father  :  Mr.  Hubbard  and  Adams 
hindred  (as  conjectured)  by  the  wether.  So  that  there 
was  Mr.  Flint,  Mr.  Torry,  Elder  Humphreys,  John  Hoar, 
Mrs.  Stoughton,  Mrs.  Flint,  Senior,  Junior,  Mrs.  Pool  and 

i"Dec.  24.  1.     Wm.  Furbur.     25.   Visi  Sim.  Gates."    Almanacs.— Eds. 


167f.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  33 

her  daughter  Bethesda/  with  a  Nurse  named  Clap.  Not- 
withstanding the  fewness  of  persons,  the  day  (thro.  Gods 
grace)  was  spent  to  good  purpose.  Mr.  FHnt  prayed, 
then  preached  singularly  well  from  that  place,  Cant.  1.  6. 
But  my  own  Vineyard  have  I  not  kept ;  which  he  handled 
well.  Pressing  every  particular  person  to  look  to  their  own 
Souls.  Elder  H.  prayed.  After  some  pause  (because  the 
day  much  spent  and  I  to  goe  home)  Mr.  Torrey  prayed 
onely :  which  he  did  divinely,  that  we  might  not  think 
strange  of  fiery  Tryal,  might  be  sure  not  to  deceive  our- 
selves as  to  our  union  with  Christ.  Indeed,  the  exercise 
was  such,  preaching  and  praying,  as  if  God  did  intend  it 
for  me.  I  prayed  earnestly  before  I  went  that  God  would 
sh6w  me  favour  at  the  meeting,  and  I  hope  he  will  set 
home  those  things  that  were  by  him  Carved  for  me.  Mr. 
Flint  sent  his  Man  after  the  Exercise,  so  when  I  had  well 
supped,  comfortably  rode  home.  Chief  design  (it  seems) 
in  Meeting  to  pray  for  Mr.  Stoughton. 

^  Jan.  17.  Wrote  a  letter  to  my  Uncle  St.  Dumer,  to 
desire  him  to  pay  Mr.  Papil.  Bill,  and  at  present  (at  least) 
take  care  of  my  Fathers  Lands,  espec.  Lee,  writing  down 
all  his  Receipts  and  payments,  &c.  Sent  it  in  Father  H's 
Packet  to  Cousin  Hull. 

Jan.  17.  Went  to  the  Meeting  at  Mrs.  Macharta's, 
which  is  the  10*^  I  have  been  at.  The  Script,  spoken 
to  was  Hoseah  6.  3.  Then  shall  we  have  knowledge  and 
endeavour  ourselves  to  know  the  Lord  (as  in  the  Transla- 
tion I  have  by  me).     Capt.  Henchman  handled  it. 

Jan.  19.  Father  and  self  went  to  visit  Mr.  Sanford,  who 
was  very  short-winded.  He  said  he  had  been  a  careless 
Xn.      And  when  I  mentioned  Mr.  Dod's  words,  he  said 


1  The  combination  of  Bethesda  and  Pool  has  had  similar  examples. 
Buenos  Ayres  lived  in  Brookfield  a  century  ago,  and  Virgil  Delphini  Parria 
was  a  member  of  the  Legislature  of  Maine.  —  Eds. 

2  "  Jany.  13.  7.     Mr.  Alford  buried. 

17.4.     Thanksgiving  at  Cambridge."     Almanacs. — Eds. 
3 


84  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [167|. 

that  was  his  very  case,  viz :  he  feared  all  he  had  done  for 
God  was  out  of  hypocrisy.  If  so  gracious  and  sober  a  man 
say  so,  what  condition  may  it  be  expected  many  will  be  in 
on  a  Death-bed. 

Monday,  2  of  the  Clock,  P.  M.  Jan,  22.  167f.  went  to 
Mr.  Thacher's,  and  spake  to  him  about  joyning  to  his 
Church. 

Wednesday,  Jan.  24.  Went  to  the  11^^  Meeting  at  Mr. 
Haywards,  in  the  Chamber  over  Mr.  Brattles  Room,  where 
G.  James  Hill  and  Joseph  Davis  spake  to  Job,  22.  21. 
Acquaint  thyself  with  him,  &c.  Note.  Mr.  Brattle  and 
his  Son-in-Law  Mr.  Oliver  were  there.  See  the  Copy  of 
the  Letter  wherein  the  Houses  of  some  were  threatened 
to  be  burnt.     Jan.  23.  7|-. 

Thorsday,  Jan.  25,  Mr.  Numan  was  here,  to  whome  and 
to  Mr.  Serjeant  (who  staid  here  near  an  hour)  I  showed 
the  Copy  of  the  Letter  cast  into  the  Governours  the 
Tuesday  before. 

Jan.  26.  Went  to  Charlestown  Lecture,  was  ^  an 
hour  too  soon,  so  went  in  to  Sir  Allin,  whether  came 
also  the  Governour,  his  Lady,  Mr.  Mrs.  Dudley,  Mr.  Hub- 
bard, &c. 

Jan.  30.  Sent  a  letter  to  Cousin  Quinsey,  which  enclosed 
a  piece  of  Gold  that  cost  me  23^  Gave  the  Letter  to  Mr. 
Josson.  In  it  ordered  to  buy  2  pair  of  Silk  Stockings,  pink 
colored,  black,  1  pair  Tabby  Bodyes,  cloath-coloured,  ^  wide 
and  long  wastied :  also  Turkish  Alcoran,  2^  Hand,  Map  of 
London.  Sent  him  a  copy  of  verses  made  on  Mr.  Reynor. 
Jan.  idt.,  sent  a  letter  to  Mr.  Thacher,  by  the  Bagg,  in  which 
Salutations,  and  some  newes.  Wednesday,  31  Brother  John 
Sewall  brought  down  Sister  Jane  to  live  with  Mrs.  Usher, 
but  the  next  morn  I  went  to  her  and  she  gave  me  to 
understand  that  she  thought  Jane  would  not  come,  and 
so  had  supplyed  herself.  Father  Hull  kindly  invited  her 
to  stay  here  till  she  should  change  her  condition  if  she 
so  liked.      Note.    Just  now  wanted  a  Maid  very  much, 


167f.]  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  35 

courted  Goodwife  Fellows  Daughter :  she  could  not  come 
till  spring :  hard  to  find  a  good  one.  So  that  Jane  came 
in  a  critical  time. 

Feb.  2.  Brother  journeys  homeward.  Had  him  in  to 
Dr.  Brakenburyes  as  he  went  along,  who  judgeth  he  may 
cure  him. 

Feb.  8.  John  Holyday  stands  in  the  Pillory  for  Coun- 
terfieting  a  Lease,  making  false  Bargains,  &c.  This  morn. 
I  visited  Mr.  Sanford,  who  desired  me  to  remember  his 
Christian  (he  hoped)  Love  to  my  Father  Sewall,  and  mind 
him  of  Discourse  had  between  them  at  Belchers,  Cam- 
bridge, which  he  professed  pleased  him  as  much  or  more 
than  any  he  had  heard  from  any  person  before. 

Feb.  10.  Mr.  Sanford  dyes  about  9  in  the  morning. 
Buried  Sabbath  day  after  Sun-set. 

Feb.  7.  Went  to  the  12*^  meeting  at  Mr.  Morse  his 
House,  where  Mr.  Gershom  Hobart  spake  well  to  James 
1.  19.  Feb.  14,  13*^  Meeting  at  Goodman  Davis's,  where 
G.  Tappin  and  Cousin  Savage  spake  to  1  Peter  1.  6.  By 
which  words  I  seriously  considered  that  no  godly  man  hath 
any  more  afflictions  than  what  he  hath  need  of :  qua  medi- 
tatione  mihi  quidem  die  seqiiente  usus  fuit :  nam  socer 
(jam  j^enefervidus  propter  avenas  sihi  inconsulto  ohla- 
tas)  de  stipite  ceqiio  grandiore  quern  in  ignem  intempestive 
[ut  aiehat)  conjeci  mihi  iratusfuit,  et  si  ita  insipiens  forem 
dixit  SB  mihi  fidem  non  hahiturum,  et  ventosam  m^entem 
meam  fore  causativam.  Deus  det  me  sihi  soli  coiifidere, 
et  creato  nulli.  Psal  37.  3.  4.  5,  principium  hiijus  psal. 
caneham.  conscius,  quem  propter  ea  qucB  dicta  sunt  mcestus 
petivi.       [See  translation  in  Hull's  Diary,  p.  253.] 

In  the  thorsday  even  Mr.  Smith  of  Hingham  speaks  to 
me  to  solicit  that  his  Son,  and  my  former  Bedfellow, 
Henry  Smith,  might  obtain  Mr.  Sanfords  House  and 
authority  therein  to  teach  School.  Sister  Jane  brought 
us  in  Beer.  Friday  morn  Feb.  16,  I  go  to  Mrs.  Sanford 
and  (by  her  hint)  to  Mr.  Frary,  one  of  the  overseers,  who 


36  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [167f 

gave  me  some  encouragement,  and  said  that  within  a  day 
or  two,  I  should  have  an  Answer. 

Wrote  a  Letter  to  Mr.  Smith  that  Frary  had  given  an 
encouraging  answer,  and  that  I  thought  no  Delay  was  to 
be  made  least  the  Scholars  should  be  lodged  elsewhere. 
Feb.  18.  The  seats  full  of  Scholars  brought  in  by  a 
Stranger  who  took  Mr.  Sanfords  place  :  this  I  knew  not 
of  before. 

Friday,  Feb.  16.     Brewed  my  Wives  Groaning  Beer. 

Feb.  21.  Went  to  the  13^^  Meeting  at  Cousin  Savage's ; 
where  my  Father-in-Law  and  Goodman  Needham  spake  to 
Psal.  6.  1. 

Feb.  23,  16 7 f-.  Mr.  Torrey  spake  with  my  Father  at 
Mrs.  Norton's,  told  him  that  he  would  fain  have  me  preach, 
and  not  leave  off  my  studies  to  follow  Merchandize.  Note. 
The  evening  before,  Feb.  22,  I  resolved  (if  I  could  get  an 
opportunity)  to  speak  with  Mr.  Torrey,  and  ask  his  Coun- 
sel as  to  coming  into  Church,  about  my  estate,  and  the 
temptations  that  made  me  to  fear.  But  he  went  home 
when  I  was  at  the  Warehouse  about  Wood  that  Tho. 
Elkins  brought. 

Satterday,  Mar.  3,  167f-  went  to  Mr.  Norton  to  dis- 
course with  him  about  coming  into  the  Church.  He  told 
me  that  he  waited  to  see  whether  his  faith  were  of  the 
operation  of  God's  spirit,  and  yet  often  said  that  he  had 
very  good  hope  of  his  good  Estate,  and  that  one  might  be 
of  the  Church  (i.  e.  Mystical)  though  not  joined  to  a  par- 
ticular Congregation.  I  objected  that  of  Ames,  he  said 
vere  queer entihus,  the  meaning  was  that  such  sought  not 
God's  kingdom  in  every  thing.  I  said  it  was  meant  of  not 
at  all.  He  said,  was  unsettled,  had  thoughts  of  going  out 
of  the  country :  that  in  coming  into  Church  there  was  a 
covenanting  to  watch  over  one  another  which  carried  with 
it  a  strict  obligation.  And  at  last,  that  he  was  for  that 
way  which  was  purely  Independent.  I  urged  what  that 
was.     He  said  that  all  of  the  Church  were  a  royal  Priest- 


167f.]  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  37 

hood,  all  of  them  Prophets,  and  taught  of  God's  Spirit,  and 
that  a  few  words  from  the  heart  were  worth  a  great  deal : 
intimating  the  Benefit  of  Brethrens  prophesying :  for  this 
he  cited  Mr.  Dell.  I  could  not  get  any  more.  Dr.  Mason 
(whom  I  have  often  seen  wdth  him)  came  in,  after  him 
Mr.  Alden,  so  our  Discourse  was  broken  off      March  6. 

March  6,       O  great  Menasseh,  were  it  not  for  thee, 
In  hopes  of  Pardon,  I  could  hardly  be.'^ 

March  7.  A  pretty  deal  of  Thunder  this  day.  Went 
to  the  14'^  Meeting  at  B.  Needham's,  where  Mr.  Noyes 
and  Mr.  Alden  spake  to  1  Sam.  15.  22.  To  obey  better 
than  Sacrifice,  &c. 

March  9,  167f,  Cold  and  Clear.  N.  B.  The  corner 
House  in  the  Street  called  Conney's,^  next  the  Harbour, 
toward  the  North  end  of  the  Town,  was  set  on  fire  about 
four  in  the  Morn,  as  is  rationally  conjectured :  for  the 
middle  of  the  roof  onely  was  fired,  and  upon  a  Koof  of  a 
Leanto  that  came  under  that  there  were  several  drops  of 
Tallow.  It  was  discovered  by  an  ancient  Woman  rising 
early,  and  so  prevented,  praised  be  God. 

March  11.  Thanks  were  returned  by  the  Selectmen  in 
behalf  of  the  Town,  for  its  preservation. 

March  12.  Went  to  the  first  Town  Meeting  that  ever 
I  was  at  in  Boston.  Capt.  Brattle,  Capt.  Oliver,  Mr.  Joy- 
liif,  Mr.  Lake,  Mr.  Turell,  Mr.  Allen,  Deacon,  Mr.  Eliot, 

1  Genesis  xli.  51.  An  application  to  God  of  the  epithet,  The  Great 
Forgetter  of  Sins. — Eds. 

2  Coney's  street  or  lane  seems  to  have  been  overlooked  in  1708,  when  the 
Selectmen  passed  their  order  establishing  the  names,  as  printed  in  the 
"  Historical  Magazine  "  for  September,  1868.  From  deeds  on  record  (Suff. 
Reg.  xxiii.  93),  it  seems  that  Coney's  lane  was  known  in  1704,  when  the 
heirs  of  John  Mellows  sold  their  father's  estate  there.  It  seems  as  if  this 
land  was  on  the  north  side  of  Sudbury  street,  on  the  curve  from  Hanover 
street  to  Portland  street.  If  so.  Coney's  lane  may  have  been  the  name  of  part 
of  Sudbury  street;  or  it  may  have  been  some  lane,  now  obliterated,  leading 
across  or  through  that  land  above  described.  Sudbury  end  is  on  our  Town 
Records  in  1636,  and  Sudbury  street  in  the  Book  of  Possessions,  dated 
c.  1613-1650.— Eds. 


38  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [167f 

Deacon:  the  last  pleaded  hard,  but  could  not  get  off. 
Severall  Constables,  Fin'd,  as  Mr.  Hez.  Usher,  Mr.  Jonath. 
Corwin  [for  not  being  willing  to  serve]. 

March  13.  Capt.  Lake,  the  Kemainder  of  his  Corps, 
was  honourably  buried :  Captains  and  Commissioners  car- 
ried :  no  Magistrate  save  Major  Clark  there,  because  of 
the  Court.     I  was  not  present  because  it  was  Tuesday.^ 

March  14.  Visited  Mr.  Willard,  and  so  forgot  to  goe 
to  the  Meeting  at  Mr.  Smith's. 

March  15.  Mane,  oravit  Socer  {indefinite)  ne  simus 
07ieri  tentationi  crucis  locis  quihus  posuit  nos  provi- 
dentia. 

March  16.  Dr.  Alcock  dyes  about  midnight.  Note, 
Mrs.  Williams  told  us  presently  after  Dutyes  how  danger- 
ously ill  he  was,  and  to  get  John  to  go  for  his  Grand- 
mother. I  was  glad  of  that  Information,  and  resolved 
to  goe  and  pray  earnestly  for  him ;  but  going  into  the 
Kitchin,  fell  into  discourse  with  Tim  about  Mettals,  and 
so  took  up  the  time.  The  Lord  forgive  me  and  help  me 
not  to  be  so  slack  for  time  to  come,  and  so  easy  to  disre- 
gard and  let  dye  so  good  a  Kesolution.     Dr.  Alcock  was 

39  yeers  old. 

March  19,  167  f-  Dr.  Alcock  was  buried,  at  whoes 
Funeral  I  was.  After  it,  went  to  Mr.  Thachers.  He 
not  within,  so  walkt  with  Capt.  Scottow  on  the  Change 
till  about  5,  then  went  again,  yet  he  not  come.  At  last 
came  Elder  Rainsford,  after,  Mr.  Thacher,  who  took  us 
up  into  his  Chamber ;  went  to  prayer,  then  told  me  I  had 
liberty  to  tell  what  God  had  done  for  my  soul.  After  I 
had  spoken,  prayed  again.     Before  I  came  away  told  him 

1  Captain  Thomas  Lake  was,  with  several  others,  surprised  and  killed  by 
the  Indians,  on  Aug.  14,  near  a  fort  on  Arowsick  Island,  Maine,  during  the 
continuance  of  the  war  at  the  eastward.  He  had  escaped  to  another  island, 
and  his  fate  was  not  known,  nor  his  mangled  body  recovered,  till  many 
months  afterwards.  His  monument  may  be  seen  on  Copp's  Hill,  where  he 
was  interred,  though  it  is  not  decorated  with  the  coat  of  arms  shown  in  Bridg- 
man's  Inscriptions.  — Eds. 


1677.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  39 

my  Temptations  to  him  alone,  and  bad  him  acquaint  me 
if  he  knew  any  thing  by  me  that  might  hinder  justly  my 
coming  into  Church.  He  said  he  thought  I  ought  to  be 
encouraged,  and  that  my  stirring  up  to  it  was  of  God. 

March  21,  167f .  Father  and  self  rode  to  Dorchester 
to  the  Fast,  which  is  the  first  time  that  ever  I  \vas  in 
that  Meeting-House .  So  was  absent  from  the  private 
Meetings. 

March  22.  23.  Plenty  of  Rain  after  a  great  deal  of 
dry  and  pleasant  wether.  In  the  afternoon  of  the  23*^, 
Seth  and  I  gather  what  herbs  we  could  get,  as  Yarrow, 
Garglio,  &c. 

March  26,  1677.  Mr.  Philips  arrives  from  Scotland, 
brings  the  Newes  of  the  Messengers  Arrival  about  the 
beginning  of  December.  They  send  Letters  of  the  latter 
end  of  January.  Brought  likewise  the  lamentable  newes 
of  Mr.  Samuel  Danforth's  Death,  of  the  Small  Pox. 

March  30,  1677.  I,  together  with  Gilbert  Cole,  was 
admitted  into  Mr.  Thacher's  Church,  making  a  Soleni 
covenant  to  take  the  L.  Jehovah  for  our  God,  and  to 
walk  in  Brotherly  Love  and  watchfulness  to  Edification. 
Goodm.  Cole  first  spake,  then  I,  then  the  Relations  of  the 
Women  w^ere  read :  as  we  spake  so  were  w^e  admitted ; 
then  alltogether  covenanted.     Prayed  before,  and  after. 

Mar.  31.  Old  Mr.  Oakes  came  hether,  so  I  wrote  a  Let- 
ter to  his  Son,  after  this  tenour : 

Sir,  I  have  been,  and  am,  under  great  exercise  of  mind  with  regard 
to  my  Spiritual  Estate.  Wherefore  I  do  earnestly  desire  that  you 
would  bear  me  on  your  heart  tomorrow  in  Prayer,  that  God  would 
give  me  a  true  Godly  Sorrow  for  Sin,  as  such :  Love  to  himself  and 
Christ,  that  I  may  admire  his  goodness,  grace,  kindness  in  that 
way  of  saving  man,  which  I  greatly  want.  I  think  I  shall  sit  down 
tomorrow  to  the  Lords  Table,  and  I  fear  I  shall  be  an  unworthy  par- 
taker. Those  words,  If  your  own  hearts  condemn  you^  God  is  greater ^ 
and  knoweth  all  things,  have  often  affrighted  me. 

Samuel  Sewall, 


40  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1677. 

April  1,  1677.  About  Two  of  the  Clock  at  night  I 
waked  and  perceived  my  wife  ill :  asked  her  to  call 
Mother.  She  said  I  should  goe  to  prayer,  then  she  would 
tell  me.  Then  I  rose,  lighted  a  Candle  at  Father's  fire, 
that  had  been  raked  up  from  Saturday  night,  kindled  a 
Fire  in  the  chamber,  and  after  5  when  our  folks  up,  went 
and  gave  Mother  warning.  She  came  and  bad  me  call  the 
Midwife,  Good  wife  Weeden,  which  I  did.  But  my  Wives 
pains  went  away  in  a  great  measure  after  she  was  up ; 
toward  night  came  on  again,  and  about  a  quarter  of  an 
hour  after  ten  at  night,  April  2,  Father  and  I  sitting  in 
the  great  Hall,  heard  the  child  cry,  whereas  we  were 
afraid  'twould  have  been  12  before  she  would  have  been 
brought  to  Bed.  Went  home  with  the  Midwife  about 
2  o'clock,  carrying  her  Stool,  whoes  parts  were  included 
in  a  Bagg.  Met  with  the  Watch  at  Mr.  Rocks  Brew 
house,  who  bad  us  stand,  enquired  what  we  were.  I  told 
the  Woman's  occupation,  so  they  bad  God  bless  our 
labours,  and  let  us  pass.  The  first  Woman  the  Child 
sucked  was  Bridget  Davenport. 

April  3.  Cousin  Flint  came  to  us.  She  said  we  ought 
to  lay  scarlet  on  the  Child's  head  for  that  it  had  received 
some  harm.  Nurse  Hurd  watches.  April  4.  Clear  cold 
weather.  Goodwif e  Ellis  watches.  April  7,  Saturday,  first 
laboured  to  cause  the  child  suck  his  mother,  which  he 
scarce  did  at  all.  In  the  afternoon  my  Wife  set  up,  and 
he  sucked  the  right  Breast  bravely,  .... 

April  8,  1677.  Sabbath  day,  rainy  and  stormy  in  the 
morning,  but  in  the  afternoon  fair  and  sunshine,  though  a 
blustering  Wind.  So  EHz.  Weeden,  the  Midwife,  brought 
the  Infant  to  the  third  Church  when  Sermon  was  about 
haK  done  in  the  afternoon,  Mr.  Thacher  preaching.  After 
Sermon  and  Prayer,  Mr.  Thacher  prayed  for  Capt.  Scot- 
tow's  Cousin  and  it.  Then  I  named  him  John,  and  Mr. 
Thacher  baptized  him  into  the  name  of  the  Father,  Son, 
and  H.  Ghost.     The  Lord  give  the  Father  and  Son  may 


1677.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  41 

be  convinced  of  and  washed  from  Sin  in  the  blood  of 
Christ. 

April  9,  morn,  hot  and  gloomy  with  scattered  Clouds : 
about  11  o'clk  there  fell  a  considerable  Storm  of  Hail,  after 
that  it  thundered  a  pretty  while.     The  Child  .  .  . 

April  4*^  was  at  the  15'^  Meeting,  kept  at  our  house  m 
the  little  Hall,  because  of  my  wives  weakness.  Mr.  Scottow 
spoke  to  Is.  27.  2.  prin. 

April  11  Stormy,  blustering  fore  part,  left  raining  a  lit- 
tle before  night.  Went  to  the  16*^  Meeting  at  B.  Easts, 
where  Br.  Edward  Allen  and  John  Hay  ward  spake  to  John 
6.  57,  which  was  very  Suitable  for  me,  and  I  hope  God  did 
me  some  good  at  that  meeting  as  to  my  Love  to  Christ. 
We  heard  after  of  the  Slaughter  of  some  persons  at  York 
by  the  Indians,  among  whom  was  Isaac  Smith,  who  went 
thether  about  boards.  This  is  Isaac  Smith  of  Win- 
nesimet. 

April  9,  1677.  Seth  Shove  began  to  goe  to  School  to 
Mr.  Smith.  April  18.  My  Father-in-Law  and  I  Avent  on 
foot  to  Dorchester,  so  were  not  at  the  Meeting.  'Twas  a 
cold  blustering  day,  as  the  last  of  March,  and  almost  all  this 
month  has  been  very  cold.  Mr.  Adams  at  Supper  told  of 
his  wife  being  brought  to  bed  of  a  Son  about  three  weeks 
before,  whom  he  named  Eliphelet. 

April  25.  even.  Mr.  Gershom  and  Nehemiah  Hobart 
gave  me  a'  visit. 

April  27,  Friday.  Hannah  Henchman  and  Susannah 
Everenden  with  two  Eastern  women  taken  into  Church. 
Warm  fair  wether  these  two  dayes.  April  28.  Consider- 
able Claps  of  Thunder. 

April  28,  1677.  Mr.  Moody  was  here,  he  told  me  that 
Mr.  Parker  dyed  last  Tuesday,  and  was  buried  on  Thorsday. 
Mr.  Hubbard  preached  his  funeral  Sermon.  The  Lord 
give  me  grace  to  follow  my  dear  Master  as  he  followed 
Christ,  that  I  may  at  last  get  to  heaven  whether  he  has 
already  gone. 


42  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1677. 

April  30.  Went  to  Mr.  Oakes,  carried  him  50',  dis- 
coursed largely  with  him  concerning  my  temptations  :  he 
exhorted  me  to  study  the  Doctrine  of  Xt.  well,  to  read 
Dr.  Goodwin.  Spake  to  him  of  the  Doctor's  death  :  he 
told  me  that  he  died  of  a  Cough  and  Cold  which  he  caught 
standing  in  the  cold  after  being  hot  in  going  from  the  Ferry. 
Told  me  'twas  not  safe  to  conceive  a  resemblance  of  Xt. 
in  ones  mind  any  more  than  to  picture  him.  Read  to  me 
occasionally  part  of  his  Sermon  yesterday,  wherein  he 
amply  proved  the  confirmation  and  gathering  together  in 
a  head  the  elect  Angels  in  Xt.  Heb.  12.  22,  33  :  cum 
mitltis  aliis. 

Note.  [May  Training  No  date]  I  went  out  this  morning 
without  private  prayer  and  riding  on  the  Comon,  thinking 
to  escape  the  Souldiers  (because  of  my  fearfull  Horse) ; 
notwithstanding  there  was  a  Company  at  a  great  distance 
which  my  Horse  was  so  transported  at  that  I  could  no  way 
govern  him,  but  was  fain  to  let  him  go  full  speed,  and  hold 
my  Hat  under  my  Arm.  The  wind  was  Norwest,  so  that 
I  suppose  I  took  great  cold  in  my  ear  thereby,  and  also 
by  wearing  a  great  thick  Coat  of  my  Fathers  part  of  the 
day,  because  it  rained,  and  then  leaving  it  off.  However 
it  was,  I  felt  my  throat  ill,  the  danger  of  which  I  thought 
had  been  now  over  with  the  winter,  and  so  neglected  it  too 
much,  relapsed,  and  grew  very  sick  of  it  from  Friday  to 
Monday  following,  which  was  the  worst  day :  after  that  it 
mended.  Mr.  Mather  visited  me  and  prayed  on  that 
day. 

May  5,  Saturday :  Mr.  Gillam  arrived  from  the  Streights. 
May  9,  Mr.  Tanner  arrived  from  London,  wherein  came 
Mr.  Thacher  who  brought  news  of  the  death  of  Mr.  George 
Alcock,  he  dyed  of  the  Pocks :  also  Mr.  Thacher  and  his 
Sister  Davenport  were  here. 

May  15.  Mr.  Anderson's  Vessel  Arrived ;  as  for  him- 
self, he  dyed  yesterday  about  4  of  the  clock.  2\  pomer. 
[i.e.,  tempore  post  meridianoJ] 


1675.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  43 

May  16,  went  to  the  17*^  Meeting  at  B.  Hills,  where  B. 
Tapin  and  Cousin  Savage  spake  to  Heb.  10.  24. 

May  30,  went  to  the  18*^^  Meeting  at  Mr.  Wings,  where 
Mr.  Thacher  spake  to  the  4  last  verses  of  92  Psal. 

June  4.     Went  to  Plimouth.      June  6.     Eeturned. 

June  13.'  Went  to  the  19^^  Meeting  at  B.  WilHams, 
where  G.  Needham  and  my  Father  spake  to  Ps.  119.  11. 

June  17.  Sabbath  day  about  7  m,  John  Sewall  had  a 
Convulsion  Fit.  He  was  asleep  in  the  Cradle,  and  suddenly 
started,  trembled,  his  fingers  contracted,  his  eyes  starting 
and  being  distorted.  I  went  to  Mr.  Brackenbury,  and 
thence  to  Charlestown,  and  set  him  to  the  child. 

June  the  nineteenth  he  had  another  about  noon. 

June  21,  1677.  Just  at  the  end  of  the  Sermon  (it  made 
Mr.  Allen  break  off  the  more  abruptly)  one  Torrey,  of 
Roxbury,  gave  a  suddain  and  amazing  cry  which  disturbed 
the  whole  Assembly.  It  seems  he  had  the  falling  sickness. 
Tis  to  be  feared  the  Quaker  disturbance  and  this  are  ominous. 

July  8,  1677.  New  Meeting  House  [the  third,  or  South] 
Mane :  In  Sermon  time  there  came  in  a  female  Quaker, 
in  a  Canvas  Frock,  her  hair  disshevelled  and  loose  like  a 
Periwigg,  her  face  as  black  as  ink,  led  by  two  other  Qua- 
kers, and  two  other  followed.  It  occasioned  the  greatest 
and  most  amazing  uproar  that  I  ever  saw.     Isaiah  I.  12,  14. 

Wednesday  May  19,  1675.  [so  dated]  that  place  of  the 
1  Sam.  15.  26.  came  to  my  mind  (as  I  came  down  from 
my  Brother,)  which  gave  me  great  comfort,  especially  for 
that  presently  after  reading  Mr.  Caryl  on  course,  I  found 
it  there  parenthetically  paraphrased.  Thursday,  May  20. 
relieved  by  reading  what  he  saith  on  the  same  verse,  about 
limiting  God  in  works  of  Spiritual  Mercy,  p.  257. 

I  "  1677.     April  24,  3.     Dear  Mr  Parker  dyed;  2Gth,  buried 

May      5,  7.     Gillam  appulit.    9th,  4.    Tanner  appulit  [arrived]. 

15,  3.     Robert  Anderson  appulit 
June  12,  3.     Goodm.  Adams.     15,  6,  Gerrish.     14  to  23,  Ex- 
treme hot  weather,  person  much  adoe  to  live." 
Almanacs.  —  Eds. 


44  DIARY  OF  SAMUEL  SEWALL.  [167^. 

Note :  Wednesday  Decemb.  29.  '75  Mr.  Keyner  came 
hether  in  the  even.  Lodged  with  me.  Upon  enquiry  he 
told  me  that  one  might  not  resolve  to  forsake  such  and  such 
sins  by  reason  of  a  jealousy  that  one  should  fall  into  the 
same  again.  He  himself  had  experienced  this,  feared  that 
he  was  not  willing,  because  not  resolved,  till  he  saw  it  was 
through  a  foresight  of  the  effects  of  his  corrupt  nature 
and  infirmity. 

May  23,  1676.  Fast  at  Mr.  Gibbs  for  Mr.  Thacher. 
24,  he  grows  better,  having  taken  reasonable  [medicine 
for]  health.  N.  B.  Being  distressed  with  melancholy  and 
troubled  concerning  my  State  —  I  was  relieved  by  Mr. 
Willards  Sermon,  especially  at  two  places  quoted,  Ps.  16. 
ULT  quoted  for  the  latter  part,  which  I  (having  a  Bible) 
turned  to  and  saw  the  beginning :  I  will  shew  thee  the 
path  of  life.     Jude  5.  24.     Comfort  against  falling  away. 

Oct.  22.  Musing  at  Noon  and  troubled  at  my  untoward- 
ness  in  worship,  God,  he  holp  me  to  pray,  Come,  Lord 
Jesus,  come  quickly  to  put  me  into  a  better  frame,  taking 
possession  of  me.  Troubled  that  I  could  love  Xt.  no 
more,  it  came  into  my  mind  that  Xt.  had  exhibited  him- 
self to  be  seen  in  the  Sacrament,  the  Lords  Supper,  and  I 
conceived  that  my  want  of  Love  was,  that  I  could  see  Xt. 
no  more  clearly.  Vid.  Mr.  Thacher  Dec.  10.  2"?  Answer 
to  the  objection  under  the  2"^  Reason.  Vid.  Mr.  Shepard, 
Dec.  15.  Use  3.  Vid.  Mr.  Thacher,  Dec!^  17.  Direction  9. 
which  I  am  sure  was  spoken  to  me.  The  Lord  set  it  home 
efficaciously  by  his  Spirit,  that  1  may  have  the  perfect 
Love  which  casts  out  fear. 

Jan.  13,  167f.  Giving  my  chickens  meat,  it  came  to 
my  mind  that  I  gave  them  nothing  save  Indian  corn  and 
water,  and  yet  they  eat  it  and  thrived  very  well,  and  that 
that  food  was  necessary  for  them,  how  mean  soever,  which 
much  affected  me  and  convinced  what  need  I  stood  in  of 
spiritual  food,  and  that  I  should  net  nauseat  daily  duties 
of  Prayer,  &c. 


1674.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  45 

Jan.  22.  Went  to  Mr.  Thachers,  found  him  at  home, 
mentioned  my  desire  of  communion  with  his  Church,  re- 
hearsed to  him  some  of  my  discouragements,  as,  continu- 
ance in  Sin,  wandering  in  prayer.  He  said  'twas  thought 
that  was  the  Sin  Paul  speaks  of,  Rom.  VII.  At  my  coming 
away  said  he  thought  I  ought  to  be  encouraged. 

Feb.  15.  Having  been  often  in  my  mind  discouraged 
from  joining  to  the  Church  by  reason  of  the  weakness,  or 
some  such  undesirableness  in  many  of  its  members  :  I  was 
much  reheved  by  the  consideration  of  1  Cor.  1.  26,  27. 
which  came  to  my  mind  as  I  was  at  prayer.  What  is 
spoken  there  was  set  home  on  me,  to  take  away  my  pride 
and  be  content  with  God's  wisdom :  thought  it  might  seem 
to  uncovenanted  reason  foolishness. 

Having  often  been  apt  to  break  out  against  God  himself 
as  if  he  had  made  me  a  person  that  might  be  a  fit  subject 
of  calamity,  and  that  he  led  me  into  difficulties  and  per- 
plexing miseries ;  I  had  my  spirit  calmed  b}^  considering 
what  an  absurd  thing  it  was  to  say  to  God  —  "  Why  hast 
thou  made  me  thus  ?,"  and  startled  at  the  daring  height 
of  such  wickedness.  These  thoughts  had  reference  to 
Isaiah  XLY.  9,  10.  This  was  at  prayer  time,  Feb.  19. 
Mane.  Death  never  looked  so  pleasingly  on  me  as  Feb.  18 
upon  the  hearing  of  Mr.  Thachers  3  Arguments.  Me- 
thought  it  was  rather  a  privilege  to  dye,  and  therein  be 
conformed  to  Christ,  than,  remaining  alive  at  his  coming, 
to  be  changed. 

Mar.  1.  Was  somewhat  relieved  by  what  John  read 
occasionally  out  of  Antipologia,^  concerning  the  unwar- 
rantable excuse  that  some  make  for  not  coming  to  the 
Sacrament :   viz.  unworthiness. 

Mar.  15,  even.     Was  holp  affectionately  to  argue  in 


1  In  1643,  the  Independents  published  an  "  Apologetical  Narration."  It 
was  answered  by  Mr.  Edwards  (author  of  the  "  Gangraena  "),  minister  of 
Christ  Church,  London,  in  an  "  Antapologia. "  Neal,  Hist.  Pur.,  Part  III. 
Ch.  4.  — Eds. 


k 


46  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [167f 

prayer  the  promise  of  being  heard  because  asking  in 
Christ's  name. 

March  19,  167f  Accidentally  going  to  look  about  the 
woman  of  Cana,  Mr.  Chauncey's  Sermons  on  her,  I  at 
first  dash  turned  to  that  Sermon  of  the  7*"^  and  14 
March. 

March  21.  Mane.  God  holp  me  affectionately  to  pray 
for  a  communication  of  his  Spirit  in  attending  on  him  at 
Dorchester,  and  the  night  before  I  read  the  9*^  and  10^^  of 
Nehemiah,  out  of  which  Mr.  Mather  happened  to  take  his 
Text,  which  he  handled  to  good  purpose,  and  more  taking 
it  was  with  me  because  I  had  perused  those  chapters  for 
my  fitting  to  attend  on  that  exercise.  Mr.  Flint  prayed 
admirably  in  the  morn,  &  pressed  much  our  inability  to 
keep  Covenant  with  God,  and  therefore  begged  God's 
Spirit.  Mr.  Thacher  began  the  afternoon  :  then  Mr.  Flint 
preached  and  so  concluded. 

March  167f .  Note.  I  have  been  of  a  long  time  loth  to 
enter  into  strict  Bonds  with  God,  the  sinfullness  and 
hypochrisy  of  which  God  hath  showed  me  by  reading  of 
a  Sermon  that  Mr.  Burgess  preached  before  the  House  of 
Comons,  Nov.  17,  1640,  and  by  the  forementioned  Ser- 
mons and  prayers.  Omnia  in  hojium  mihi  vertas^  0 
Deus.  I  found  the  Sermon  accidentally  in  Mr.  Norton's 
Study. 

Remember,  since  I  had  thoughts  of  joining  to  the 
Church,  I  have  been  exceedingly  tormented  in  my  mind, 
sometimes  lest  the  Third  church  [the  South]  should  not 
be  in  God's  way  in  breaking  off  from  the  old.  (I  resolved 
to  speak  with  Mr.  Torrey  about  that,  but  he  passed  home 
when  I  was  called  to  buisiness  at  the  Warehouse.  Another 
time  I  got  Mr.  Japheth  Hobart  to  promise  me  a  Meeting 
at  our  House  after  Lecture,  —  but  she  that  is  now  his  wife, 
being  in  town,  prevented  him.)  Sometimes  with  my  own 
unfitness  and  want  of  Grace :  yet  through  importunity  of 
friends,  and  hope  that  God  might  communicate  himself  to 


1677.]  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  47 

me  in  the  ordinance,  and  because  of  my  child  (then  hoped 
for)  its  being  baptised,  I  offered  myself,  and  was  not 
refused.  Besides  what  I  had  written,  when  I  was  speak- 
ing [at  his  admission  to  the  Church]  I  resolved  to  con- 
fess what  a  great  Siner  I  had  been,  but  going  on  in 
the  method  of  the  Paper,  it  came  not  to  my  mind.  And 
now  that  Scruple  of  the  Church  vanished,  and  I  began 
to  be  more  afraid  of  myself.  And  on  Saturday  Good- 
man Walker^  came  in,  who  used  to  be  very  familiar 
with  me.  But  he  said  nothing  of  my  coming  into  the 
Church,  nor  wished  God  to  show  me  grace  therein,  at 
which  I  was  almost  overwhelmed,  as  thinking  that  he 
deemed  me  unfit  for  it.  And  I  could  hardly  sit  down  to 
the  Lord's  Table.  But  I  feared  that  if  I  went  away  I 
might  be  less  fit  next  time,  and  thought  that  it  would  be 
strange  for  me  who  was  just  then  joined  to  the  Church, 
to  withdraw,  wherefore  I  stayed.  But  I  never  experienced 
more  unbelief.  I  feared  at  least  that  I  did  not  believe 
there  was  such  an  one  as  Jesus  Xt.,  and  yet  was  afraid 
that  because  I  came  to  the  ordinance  without  belief,  that 
for  the  abuse  of  Xt.  I  should  be  stricken  dead ;  yet  I  had 
some  earnest  desires  that  Xt.  would,  before  the  ordinance 
were  done,  though  it  were  when  he  was  just  going  away, 
give  me  some  glimpse  of  himself ;  but  I  perceived  none. 
Yet  I  seemed  then  to  desire  the  coming  of  the  next  Sacra- 
ment day,  that  I  might  do  better,  and  was  stirred  up  hereby 
dreadfully  to  seek  God  who  many  times  before  had  touched 
my  heart  by  Mr.  Thacher's  praying  and  preaching  more 
than  now.  The  Lord  pardon  my  former  grieving  of  his 
Spirit,  and  circumcise  my  heart  to  love  him  with  all  my 
heart  and  soul. 

[Here  closes  Volume  T.  of  the  Journal.] 


1  This  was  probably  Robert  Walker,  of  Boston,  whose  affidavit,  taken  in 
1679  (printed  in  N.  E.  Hist.-Gen.  Register,  VII.  46),  states  that  he  knew 
Henry  Sewall  in  Manchester,  England,  and  that  his  only  son  was  Henry  S., 
of  Newbury  (father  of  Samuel).  — Eds. 


48  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1677-9 

[It  will  be  noted  that  the  last  few  pages  contain  items  not  in  regu- 
lar course.  It  has  seemed  best  to  add  in  this  place  all  the  entries  in 
the  interleaved  Almanacs  before  mentioned.  Sewall  was  in  the  habit 
of  making  these  brief  entries  in  his  Almanacs,  to  be  afterward  ex- 
panded in  his  Journal.] 

1677.  Sept.    12,  4  [day  of  the  week].     Legg  appulit  [arrived], 

16, 1.    Eliezer  Danford  arrives.    19,  4,  Hat- 
field. 23,1.   Sam.  Bridgham.  24,M.G.J.S. 

Oct.      20,  7.    Capt.  S.  Mosely.     31,  4.   Dorchester. 

Dec.     14,  6.    T.  Smith.     21.    Shephard. 
1677-8.     Jan'y    17,  4.    Brackenbury.     22,  3.   Dorchester. 

1678.  May       3,  Frid.   Welcome  arrived  from  London. 
—         23.   Johnson  and  Knott  arrived. 

June     11,  3.    Sara.  Sewall  natus.     16,  1.   Baptizatus. 

Aug.     23,  6.   Watch  begins  to  be  warned  out  of  my  pre- 
cincts. 

Nov.       9,  7.    Mr.  Jno.  Xoyes  dies.    10.   Buried.    E.  Thurs- 
ton dies.      Teste  Sarah  Noyes. 

Dec.      15,  1.    Returned  to  my  own  bed  after  my  sickness  of 
the  Small  Pox. 
1678-9.     Jan.      18,  7.   Visit  Public  Houses. 

Feb.     15,  7.   Visit  Public  Houses. 

March  16,  1.    Governour  Leverett  dieth.     25,  3.    Is  buried. 

1679.  [On  back  of  title  of  Almanac.^] 
Sim  Bradstreet  1216  Tho.  Clark  443 
Dan.  Gookin  1051  Humph.  Davie  577 
Dan.  Denison  1127  Tho.  Savage  530 
Tho.  Danforth  1217  Jno.  Hall  467 
Wm.  Hawthorn        796                         Laurenc  Hainond     405 

Esqs.  (  Jno.  Pynchon  1195  Rob.  Pike                  281 

Edw.  Tyng  1146  Jno.  Woodbridge     231 

Wm.  Stoughton  1174  1679 

Jos.  Dudley  1189  Apr.  8. 

Peter  Bulkley  1118  Jno.  Leverett          1203 

^  Nath.  Saltonstall  954 

1  This  undoubtedly  represents  the  vote  for  the  government.  Bradstreet 
was  chosen  governor;  Danforth,  deputy-governor;  and  ten  Assistants  out  of 
the  first  thirteen  names;  i.e.,  through  H.  Davie  and  omitting  T.  Clark. 
Hutchinson  (I.  326)  mentions,  that  in  this  very  year  the  King's  Letter  re- 
quired the  Colony  to  appoint  the  charter  number  of  eighteen  Assistants,  as 
the  practice  had  become  fixed  to  choose  only  eight  or  ten.  This  was  obeyed 
in  the  following  year.  — Eds.] 


1679-82.]  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  49 

[1679.        Mch.  18,  3.    Const.  Collation  deferred. 
April  15,  3.    Perambulation. 

1679.  April  30.    Hanah  Hitte. 

June  12,  5.   Laurenc  Oakes  dyes  at  night  of  the  Small 
Pocks. 

24,  3.   Miss  Mary  Adams  dyed. 

25,  4.   Mr.  Samll.  Haugh  dyed     S.  S.  C. 
July   10,  Balston  ar. 

1679-80.     Feb.     3,  3.   Hannah  Sewall  born.     8th,  baptzd. 

1680.  Aug.  24,  3.   His    Excellency,    Thomas,    Lord    Culpeper, 

Baron  of  Thorsway,  Gov.  of  Virginia,  came  to 
Boston.     Lord  Culpeper,  Dorchester.     [His 
title  was  Baron  Colepeper  of   Th  ores  way, 
CO.  Lincoln,  and  he  d.  s.  p.  m.  in  1688.1 
Sept.  16.    Sergt.  Wait. 

19.   Marthah  Clark,  widow,  85  years  old. 

23,  5.    Dorch.  Elder  Bowld  occiditur  a  curru. 

[This    means     undoubtedly    Elder     John 
Bowles  of  Roxbury.] 
1680-1.     Jan.    11.   D.  Lawson. 

10.  Charles  River  frozen  over,  so  to  ]N'od[dlesJ 
Island. 
Feb.  28.  Coragious  South  wind  breaks  the  ice  between 
Boston  and  DorcM  Neck.  Hath  been  a 
very  severe  winter  for  snow  and  a  constant 
continuance  of  cold  weather ;  such  as  most 
affirm  hath  not  been  for  many  yeers. 

1681.  July   28.    Barrett  arrives. 

Sept.  9,  6.  Autor  John  Foster  obit.  [Evidently  the  Dor- 
chester school-master  "  that  made  the  then 
Seal  or  Arms  of  the  Colony,  namely  an  In- 
dian with  a  Bow  and  Arrow,  &c.,"  as  Blake's 
Annals  inform  us.  It  was  in  a  copy  of  the 
Almanac  "by  John  Foster,  Astrophil^^  that 
Sewall  was  writing,  and  he  notes  down 
"  The  Author  Dyed  Sept.  9. 1681."  Several 
of  the  Almanacs  are  marked  "  ex  dono  Au- 
thorisP~\ 
1681-2.      Feb.    14,  3.   Major  Savage  dyes,  Rox. 

1682.  July    12,  4.   Wm.  Taylour,  Merc,  exit, 
July   22,  7.    Col.  Robert  Richbell. 

Aug.  17,  5.   Blazing    St[ar.]     23,   4.     Seen    in    evening, 
plain.] 

4 


50  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1682-4. 

[ —       21,  2.   The  Rev.  Mr.  Isaac  Foster  buried.     [A  class- 
mate of  Sewall.] 
Nov.     9,  5.   Doma  Brattle  aufugit.     [Mrs.  Brattle  dies. 
See  p.  56.] 
28,  3.   Ship  cast  away,  7  men  of  13  lost. 
Dec.     5,  3.    Gov.  Cranfield.     20,  4.    Fast  at  Mr.  Mather's. 
30.    Mr.  Joseph  Pynchon  dyes. 
1682-3.      Jan'y  12,  6.   Landlady,  Jane  Fissende  dyes.     Bur'd.    16,3. 
(Tuesday.) 
17,  4.   Mr.  T.  Weld,  Roxb.  dyes.     Buried  19th,  6. 
25.  Fast,  0[ld]  Meet[ing]  House. 

Flocks  of  Pigeons  are  seen  this  month  at  New- 
bury. 
1682-3.      Feb.     2,  6.   Edw.  Dudley  F.     6.  3.  Calf  Braintrey. 

[The  Almanac  for  1683  is  by  Cotton  Mather, 
printed  by  S.  G.  for  S.  S.,  i.e.  Samuel  Green 
for  Samuel  Sewall.    In  it  is  written,  "  the  last 
half  sheet  was  Printed  with  my  Letters  at 
^  Boston.    S.  S."     The  last  four  leaves  of  the 

Almanac  are  in  different  type,  which  explains 
this  reference.] 

1683.  Aug.  14,  3.    My  father  watched  his  last. 

1684.  [Items  in  two  Almanacs.] 

Mch  27,  5.  Jack,  Negro.  22, 7.  An  extraordinary  high  tide. 
May  6,3.  Commissioners  Court.  June  10, 3.  Henry  Pease. 
June  21,  7.    Thos.  Powes  drowned. 

July     2,  4.   Piaeses  obit.  [Prest.  John  Rogers  of  Harvard.] 
Sepultus  est  July  3d. 
The  President  dies  July  2d,  just  as  the  sun 
gets  from  being  eclipsed. 
July     8,  3.   Hull  Sewall  natus. 

22,  3.    Special  Court  of  Assistants. 

30,  4.  Mr.  Nath.  Gookin. 

Oct.      2,  5.   Mr.  Philip  Jones  buried.    8,  4.    Clark  arrives. 

18,  7.  Gardener  arrives.    20,  2.  Foy  arrives. 

Nov.     8,  7.   Dom  Wade  Sepult.  est.    15,  7.   Jolls  Belcher. 

18,  3.  Mehetabel.    19,  4.  Capt.  Johnson  ohit. 

Nov.  25,  Tues.     A  very  high  tide,  begun  to  run  into  our 

Cellar.     Filled  C.  Hills. 
Dec.     4,  5.    Capt.  Berry  sails. 

[The  Almanac  for  1685  begins  with  an  entry 
in  regard  to  the  deputies,  which  is  copied  into 
the  Journal  and  stands  in  the  text.] 


1673-7.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  51 

[Having  had  an  opportunity  to  examine  certain  notes  upon  the 
preceding  portion  of  the  Diary,  prepared  by  the  late  Rev.  Samuel 
Sewall,  of  Burlington,  Mass.,  the  custodian  of  the  MSS.  for  so  many 
years,  the  editors  have  judged  proper  to  make  the  following  extracts 
therefrom.] 

On  p.  2,  line  2.  "  Herboord's  Physick."  Mr.  Sewall  notes  that  it 
was  probably  the  book  entered  on  the  "  College  Catalogue,"  of 
1790,  under  Metaphysics,  —  "  Heerboord,  (Adrian)  Meletemata  phi- 
losophica,  4to.     Ams.     1665." 

P.  2,  line  16.  "  Mr.  Gookin."  A  reference  is  made  to  N.  E.  Hist, 
and  Gen.  Reg.,  IV.  79,  where  was  printed  an  extract  from  the  "  Col- 
lege Book,"  No.  3,  to  the  effect  that,  "  Novemb.  5,  1673,  Sf  Sewall 
was  chosen  fellow  and  together  with  Mf  Daniel  Gookin,  installed 
before  the  overseers,  Novemb.  26." 

P.  3,  line  25.  In  addition  to  our  footnote,  we  may  give  Mr.  Sew- 
all's  opinion,  that,  at  this  interview  with  Mr.  Oakes,  the  diarist 
expressed  his  intention  of  resigning  his  fellowship,  as  Joseph  Brown 
and  John  Richardson  had  done  the  year  before,  and  Dr.  Oakes  feared 
that  it  would  be  attributed  to  his  influence. 

P.  4,  last  line  but  one.  "  Sir  Weld  commonplaced."  Mr.  Sewall 
writes  that  "commonplacing"  denotes  the  reducing  and  treating  of 
topics  of  theology,  philosophy,  &c.,  under  certain  common  places  or 
general  heads,  and  is  recognized  as  follows  in  "  Laws,  Liberties,  and 
Orders  of  Harvard  College,"  1642-46,  as  an  exercise  expected  at  cer- 
tain times  of  Resident  Bachelors  as  well  as  Sophisters  among  the 
undergraduates.  ''  No.  5.  And  all  Sophisters  and  Bachelors  (until 
themselves  make  common  place)  shall  publicly  repeat  sermons  in  the 
Hall,  whenever  they  are  called  forth." 

Mr.  Sewall  also  says  that  the  title  "  Sir,"  until  within  the  memory 
of  the  last  generation,  was  given  to  one  who  had  taken  his  degree  as 
Bachelor  until  he  took  his  degree  of  Master,  when  his  style  became 
"Mr."     The  same  custom  prevailed  in  England. 

P.  5,  line  4  from  bottom.  "  Summoned  to  wait  on  the  Court."  Ref- 
erence is  here  made  to  the  Col.  Rec,  Y.  20,  wherein  is  printed  the 
order  of  the  General  Court  in  this  matter. 

P.  6,  line  19.  "  Goodman  Cheny,  Nic.  Fissenden."  Here  Mr. 
Sewall  refers  to  "Book  of  the  Lockes,"  p.  313,  and  thus  enables 
us  to  add  to  the  footnote  on  p.  5.  It  seems  by  Locke,  that  Nicholas 
Fessenden  married  Margaret  Cheney,  and  had  a  child  born  July, 
1676.  Hence  his  wife  may  well  be  Margaret,  daughter  of  Thomas 
Cheney,  of  Cambridge,  born  November,  1656,  who  had  a  brother 
Thomas.  The  Cheneys  would  thus  be  connected  with  the  bride, 
Hannah  Fessenden.     Jan.  18,  1688-89,  Judge  Sewall  notes:  "  Ar-] 


k 


52  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1673-7 

[rived  at  Canterbury,  visited  Aunt  Fissenden,  her  son  John,  and 
daughters  Mary,  Elizabeth  and  Jane."  This  may  imply  a  previous 
connection  between  the  Sewalls  and  Fessendens  in  England. 

P.  13,  line  20.  Mr.  Willard's  lecture.  Mr.  Sewall  notes  that  this 
was  not  the  famous  Boston  Thursday  Lecture,  but  a  stated  monthly 
lecture  at  the  Third,  or  South,  Church,  delivered  on  the  Wednesday 
preceding  Communion  Sunday,  every  fourth  week. 

P.  13,  line  21.  "  Mr.  Woodrop,"  &c.  Mr.  Sewall  reads  these  names, 
"  Hobart,  Ger.  Nehem."  meaning  Rev.  Gershom  and  Rev.  Nehemiah 
Hobart,  both  sons  of  Rev.  Peter  H.,  of  Hingham.  He  adds,  the  next 
three  were  probably  Sewall's  classmates,  Samuel  Phips,  Rev.  Thomas 
Weld,  and  Rev.  Edward  Taylor,  —  the  latter  name  being  wrongly 
read  by  the  transcriber  (all  this  being  an  old  copy  of  a  lost  original) 
as  Faild.  This  seems  the  more  probable,  as  Savage  records  no  such 
surname  as  Faild  ;  and  the  nearest  approach  to  it,  Fales,  is  not  prom- 
inent on  our  records  till  later. 

P.  16.  Timothy  Dwight  and  his  uncle  Eliot.  On  this  point,  Mr. 
Sewall  says  he  has  discovered  nothing.  We  take  the  opportunity, 
however,  to  record  the  result  of  our  later  searches.  It  seems  certain 
that  this  Timothy  Dwight  was  that  son  of  Captain  Timothy  Dwight, 
of  Dedham,  who  was  born  Nov.  26, 1654,  was  a  goldsmith  in  Boston, 
and  d.  s.  p.  in  1691.  (Dwight  Genealogy,  I.  105.)  From  the  ref- 
erence here,  on  p.  31,  line  16,  and  p.  38,  line  18,  we  conclude  that 
Timothy  was  an  apprentice  of  Hull's,  and  lived  in  the  house,  as  did 
John  Alcock. 

Captain  Timothy  Dwight,  of  Dedham,  married,  for  his  second  wife 
(he  had  six),  Sarah  Pow^ell,  who  was  the  mother  of  our  Timothy. 
It  has  been  already  shown  (N.  E.  Hist,  and  Gen.  Register,  XXIX.  25), 
that  Deacon  Jacob  Eliot  married  Mary  Powell,  widow  of  William 
Wilcox.  Mrs.  Eliot  was,  therefore,  aunt  of  Timothy  Dwight,  being 
his  mother's  sister.  Both  were  undoubtedly  the  children  of  Michael 
Powell,  of  Boston,  as  the  following  will  of  Michael's  widow  shows  : 
Suff.  Wills,  VI.  190,  will  of  Abigail  Powell,  widow,  dated  March  4, 1677, 
gives  to  her  four  daughters,  Abigail  Howlett,  Elizabeth  Hollings- 
worth,  Dorothy  Perry  and  Margaret  Howard,  each  £50.  To  Joseph 
Elliot,  eldest  son  of  Dea.  Jacob  E.,  £20.  To  Timothy  Dw^ite,  eldest 
son  of  Timothy  D.,  of  Dedham,  £20.  To  Michael  Perry,  £5,  to 
Samuel  Howlett,  £5.  Son-in-law  Anthony  Howard  and  Seth  Perry, 
exec°." ;  four  daughters  residuary  legatees. 

As  Mrs.  Eliot  was  alive,  we  may  fairly  conclude  that  she  and  Mrs. 
Dwight  were  Powell's  daughters  by  a  previous  wife. 

But  our  Timothy  undoubtedly  came  into  the  Hull  connection  in 
another  way.     His  father  was  then  living  with  his  third  wife,  Anna] 


1679.] 


DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL. 


53 


[Flynt,  who  was  niece  of  Edmund  Quincy,  Hull's  brother-in-law  and 
step-brother.  The  evidently  close  connection  between  Hull  and 
Quincy  would  account  for  D wight's  employment. 

P.  34,  line  25.     "Mr.  Josson."     This  name  should  be  Jesson. 

P.  46,  line  5  from  bottom.  "  Japheth  Hobart."  Mr.  Sewall  notes 
that  Savage  says  that  Hobart  went  to  England  before  1670,  intending 
to  go  to  the  East  Indies,  and  was  never  heard  of;  and  that  this  state- 
ment does  not  agree  well  with  the  text. 


[The  following  notes  in  regard  to  setting  the  watch  are  found  at 
the  end  of  the  first  volume  of  Sewall's  Diary,  and  are  printed  as  giv- 
ing valuable  information  not  to  be  found  on  the  town  records. 

This  South  Company  was  that  of  Captain  John  Hull.  In  the  First 
Report  of  the  Record  Commissioners  of  Boston,  published  by  the 
City  Government  in  1877,  there  are  tax  lists  of  1676  and  1681.  This 
list  of  1679  covers  a  different  year,  and  may  be  compared  with  that 
printed  on  p.  75  of  the  Report.  —  Eds.] 

A  list  of  Persons  belonging  to  the  South  Company  of  Boston 
liable  to  Watch  themselves,  or  by  their  money  to  procure  Watchmen ; 
as  they  were  marshalled  by  the  Lieutenant  and  myself  Oct'  13.  1679, 
in  two  lists,  that  each  Clark  might  have  half  and  warn  no  more  at 
one  turn. 


1679  Clabk  Vergoose  his  List. 


Corp"  Raynsford 
Edward  Ellis 
Jonathan  Wales 
John  Howen 
Francis  Smith 
Jno.  Brandon    W' 

''  Jn"  Baker 
James  Jn°son 
Alexander  Baker 
Josiah  Baker 
The.  Pritchet 

.  Wid.  Goose 

Samuel  Mason 
James  Linden 
Jn"  Sibly 
The.  Plimly 
Digory  Sargent 
Jane  Bernard 


Middleton 


Sergt  Jn°  Pell 
Tho  Paddy 
Jn"  Balston 
Richard  Keats 
Roger  Burgess 
Nic  Neal 

Sergt  Jno  Bull 
Tho  Hill 
W™  King 
Tho  Gent 
Charles  Perry 
Dan"  Gent 

James  Townsend 
Alex'-  Bogle 
Jos.  Holms  jun' 
W!E  Obison 
Tho  Rumly 
Abel  Porter.] 


54 


DIAEr    OF    SAMUEL   SEWALL. 


ri679 


[7 


'  Joseph  Wheeler 
Peter  Wyer 
Jos  Warren 
Tho  Thurston 
Eben  Danforth 
EHza  Till 


Jno  Holman 
WHi  Goddard 
jii''  Hurd' 
Jos  Hurd 
Benj  Smith 
Prudence  Morse 


Daniel  Quinsey 
Samuel  Clark 
Jn°  Xewman 
Matthias  Smith 
Joseph  Brisco 
Elenour  Evans 

For  the  better  Inspection  of  the  several  Watches,  and  the  four 
several  Guards  in  this  Town  of  Boston.  It  is  Ordered,  Agreed  and 
Concluded  by  the  Committee  of  Militia  for  the  said  Town,  that  the 
eight  Foot  Companyes  by  their  Commission  Officers  and  Serjants 
(being  seven  in  each  Company)  or  for  want  thereof,  or  by  reason  of 
any  other  hindrance,  a  Sufficient  Supply  be  made  at  the  discretion 
of  the  rest  of  the  Officers  of  said  Company  :  Also  the  Officers  of  the 
Troop  that  live  in  the  Town  (eight)  or  for  want  thereof  to  be  sup- 
plyed  of  their  Troopers,  as  abovesaid :  Which  said  Sixty  four  Men 
shall  each  in  their  respective  turn  as  hereafter  mentioned  take  unto 
them  one  or  two  more  that  live  in  the  Precincts  of  their  own  Com- 
pany who  shall  walk  every  Night  (in  their  several  Turn)  throwout 
the  Town  in  every  Quarter,  and  shall  take  Inspection  of  the  several 
Guards  and  Watches,  how  they  are  managed,  and  give  such  Direc- 
tions as  to  them  shall  seem  meet  for  the  better  discharge  of- their 
Duty  according  to  Law,  Taking  the  care  and  charge  of  all  the 
Watches  in  the  Town  in  their  respective  nights  ;  Who  shall  march 
with  an  Half  Pike  with  a  fair  head,  by  which  he  may  be  known  to 
be  the  Commander  of  the  Watch,  and  in  the  morning  leave  the  same 
with  him  whoes  Turn  is  next,  which  shall  be  accounted  a  sufficient 
Warning  or  notice  to  the  next  Commander  to  take  his  Turn. 

Have  entered  the  Order  of  the  South  Company  onely. 


This  is  conceived  to 
be  the  best  Method 
for  regulating  of  the 
Watch  that  hath  been 
hetherto  agreed  on 

1  Sergt. 

2 

3 

4 


u 

,Q 

1 

O 

1 

^ 

g 

>> 

'a 

1 

«5 

24 

27 

1 

4 

7 

9 

25 

28 

2 

5 

8 

10 

26 

29 

3 

6 

9 

11 

Trooper  preceding  Mr. 
Saffin 

Commanders 

Capt  John  Hull 

Lieutenant 

Ensigne 

4  Sergants 

Trooper  Arthur  Mason.] 


1680.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  55 

[The  order  of  the  several  Persons  watching  in  the  several  Nights 
is  to  be  as  above  expressed,  and  the  time  to  begin  is  this  night  fol- 
lowing Monday  Sept  6.  1680,  which  is  Agreed  by  the  Committee 
of  Militia,  as  doth  Attest  Thomas  Savage,  Clark  of  the  said  Com- 
mittee. 

An  extract  of  the  Major's  warrant,  dated  Aug.  19,  1680  :  — 

Impress  twenty  able  Souldiers  two  of  them  Carpenters,  all  well 
Armed  with  fixed  fire-lock  Arms — one  pound  of  Powder,  3  pounds 
of  Shot,  for  Service  of  the  Country  at  Casco  Bay ;  to  appear  at  the 
Town  House  at  12  of  the  Clock  the  24!li  Instant, 

Proportioned  the  Men  at  the  Town  House,  Captains  meeting,  or 
some  of  them 


1  Major  Clark 

3 

6  Lieut  Pen  Townsend 

2 

2  Major  Savage 

3 

7  Capt  HuU 

2 

3  Capt.  Hudson 

3 

8  Capt  Hutchinson 

2 

4  Capt  Henchman 

2 

— 

5  Capt  Richards 

3 

20 

Had  one  from  Muddy  River ;  and  Joshua  Atwater  offered  himself 
to  us  as  Volunteer ;  so  furnished  him  with  Arms ;  but  his  carriage 
was  such  formerly  and  now,  that  he  was  dismissed. 

Monday,  April  18,  1681,  Capt  John  Hull  gave  Andrew  Gardener 
of  Muddy  River,  his  Halbert  in  Token  of  his  having  constituted  him 
a  Serjant ;  and  declared  him  (as  to  his  Place)  to  be  the  Second  ;  viz 
1  Jno  Bull  2.  Andrew  Gardener  ;  3  John  Pell ;  4  Solomon  Rainsford, 
This  was  done  in  the  Evening,  after  Training,  in  the  little  Hall, 
present  Lieutenant,  Ensigne,  Serjents,  Corporal  Odlin,  Clarks,  Drum- 
mers. 

The  Ceremony  of  delivering  a  Halbert  having  been  a  good  while 
since  been  performed  to  the  three  Serjants,  and  not  to  Serjant  Gar- 
dener, some  began  to  mutter  that  Serjant  Gardener  was  none,  and 
some,  that  'twas  not  intended  he  should  be  any :  and  none  knew  what 
his  place  was.  Now  said  Gardener  was  made  a  Corporal  of  the 
South  Company  when  Wh  Hudson  Captain,  on  the  same  day  with 
our  Lieut.  Frary  and  Ensigne  Thurston ;  and  he  hath  proved  con- 
stant and  diligent ;  wherefore  'twas  agreed  on  as  mentioned  p.  (  )  ; 
though  Serjt  Gardener  disabled  himself,  modestly  and  earnestly  de- 
sireing  to  have  the  4th  place,  according  to  the  date  of  the  Ceremony. 


Since  there  is  a  gap  in  this  Diary,  from  July,  1677,  to  March, 
1684-85,  caused  by  the  loss  or  disappearance  of  one  or  more  volumes, 
it  may  be  well  to  remind  the  reader  that  John  Hull,  Sewall's  father- 
in-law,  kept  a  similar  record,  which   ends   Sept.  20,  1682.     This] 


56  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1673-80 

[record,  which  embraced  a  private  and  a  general  diary,  was  published 
in  Vol.  III.  of  the  "Transactions  of  the  American  Antiquarian 
Society,"  in  1857.  We  copy  from  the  private  or  personal  record 
a  few  items  relating  to  Sewall :  — 

1673-6,      "Feb.    28,  being  Monday,  Mr.  Broadstreet  married  my 
daughter  Hannah  to  Samuel  Sewall,  in  the 
evening." 
1677       "  2d,  2d,  being  Monday,  at  ten  o'clock  at  night,  my  grand- 
child, John  Sewall,  was  safely  born  into  the 
world." 
1678.      "  June    4,  on  the  third  day  of  the  week,  in  the  morning, 
half    an   hour   before    six    o'clock,    Samuel 
Sewall  was  safely  born." 
1678.      "  Sept.  10,  John  Sewall  had  a  vomiting,  continuing  that  day 
and  the  night  following,  and  then  taken  with 
convulsion  fits,  —  about  seventeen  sore  fits. 
He  died  about  twelve  o'clock,  before  the 
12th  of  September." 
1679-80.     "  Hannah   Sewall  was  safely  born  into  the  world,  being 
the  third  day  of  the  week,  about  midnight." 
"  Elizabeth  Sewall  was  safely  born  into  the  world,  Dec. 
29,  1681,  a  little  after  four  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon." 
John  Hull  died  Oct.  1,  1683,  leaving  a  widow,  Judith,  who  lived 
till  1695.  

The  following  items  respecting  Sewall's  life  during  this  period 
having  been  gathered  from  various  sources  :  — 

March  30,  1677,  he  joined  the  (Old)  South  Church  in  Boston. 

May,  1678,  he  was  made  a  freeman. 

March  10,  1678-79,  he  was  appointed  by  the  town  of  Boston  one 
of  perambulators  of  bounds  for  Muddy  River,  now  Brookline. 

In  December,  1680,  PIull  writes  to  a  correspondent,  "I  have  re- 
ceived your  glasses  and  hats,  and  have  obtained  my  son-in-law,  Samuel 
Sewall  to  take  your  consignment  of  them.    He  hath  sold"  a  part, &C.-' 

1  Although  Sewall's  Diary  is  lacking  for  the  period  1677-85,  it  would 
seem  as  if  some  part  of  it  had  been  known  quite  recently.  In  the  notes  to 
Hull's  Diary,  as  printed,  p.  278,  is  the  following,  given  as  an  extract  from 
the  Diary  of  Samuel  SewaU  :  — 

"  Thursday,  Nov.  9,  1682.  Daniel  Quincey  married  Mrs.  Anna  Shepard, 
before  John  Hull,  Esq.  Samuel  Nowell,  Esq,  and  many  persons  present,  — 
almost  Capt  Brattle's  great  hall  full.  Mr.  Willard  began  with  prayer;  Mr. 
T.  Shepard  concluded.     As  he  was  praying,  Cousin  Savage,  my  mother  Hull,] 


16S1-3]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  57 

[Colony  Rec,  Y.  323,  Oct.  12, 1681 :  "  Mr.  Samuel  Seawall,  at  the 
instance  of  some  friends,  with  respect  to  the  accommodation  of  the 
publicke,  being  prevailed  with  to  undertake  the  management  of 
the  printing  press  in  Boston,  late  under  the  improvement  of  Mr. 
John  Foster,  deceased,  liberty  is  accordingly  granted  to  him  for  the 
same  by  this  Court,  and  none  may  presume  to  sett  up  any  other 
presse  without  the  like  liberty  first  granted." 

Dec.  26,  1681.  Samuel  Sewall  was  surety  on  the  town's  book  for 
Samuel  Green,  printer,  and  his  family,  that  they  should  not  be 
chargeable  to  the  town.     (Boston  Records.) 

March  13, 1682-83,  he  was  appointed  by  the  town,  with  John  Saffin, 
Anthony  Checkley,  and  the  seven  Selectmen,  a  committee  to  draw 
up  instructions  for  its  deputies  to  the  General  Court.  This  was,  of 
course,  an  important  trust.  Aug.  31,  1683,  he  was  chosen  one  of  the 
seven  Commissioners  of  the  town  to  assess  rates. 

Oct.  10,  1683  (Rec,  V.  418),  "It  is  ordered,  that  the  Tresurer  of 
the  county,  as  soon  as  can,  satisfy  and  pay  in  mony  to  Mr.  Samuel 
Seawall  tenn  pounds  seventeen  sliillings,  for  printing  Mr.  Samuel 
Torreys  sermon  at  the  last  election." 

The  new  edition  of  Thomas's  "  History  of  Printing"  contains  the 
titles  of  some  ten  pamphlets  printed  for  Sewall. 

Sept.  12, 1684,  the  following  oider  was  passed  (Col.  Rec,  V.  452)  : 
"Whereas,  at  a  session  of  the  Generall  Court  in  October,  1681,  this 
Court  was  pleased  to  intrust  Mr.  Samuel  Sewall  with  the  manage- 
ment of  the  printing  press  in  Boston,  lately  under  the  improvement 
of  Mr.  John  Foster,  deceased,  and  whereas,  by  the  providence  of 
God,  Mr.  Seawall  is  rendered  unable  to  attend  the  same,  he  judging 
it  reasonable  to  acquaint  this  honnoured  Court  therewith,  desiring 
that  he  may  be  freed  from  any  obligation  unto  duty  respecting  that 
affaire,  with  thankfull  acknowledgments  of  the  liberty  then  granted. 
The  Court  grants  the  request  above  mentioned." 

Nov.  7,  1683,  his  name  appears  on  the  roll  of  the  General  Court, 
as  a  deputy  from  Westfield,  a  town  in  Hampshire  County,  which 
John  Hull  represented  in  1674. 

my  wife  and  myself,  came  in.  A  good  space  after,  when  we  had  eaten  cake 
and  drunk  wine  and  beer  plentifully,  we  are  called  into  the  hall  again  to  sing. 
In  singing-time,  Mrs.  Brattle  goes  out,  being  ill.  Most  of  the  company  go 
away,  thinking  it  a  fit.  But  she  grows  worse,  speaks  not  a  word,  and  so 
dies  away  in  her  chair.  And  the  strangeness  and  horror  of  the  thing  fills 
the  (just  now)  joyous  house  with  sorrow  and  ejulation." 

This  account  is  repeated  in  Harris's  Genealogy  of  the  Brattles,  with  a  few 
additions;  but  w^e  have  been  unable  to  trace  either  version  to  the  original.  — 
Eds.] 


58  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1683-4. 

[Dec.  5,  1683  (Col.  Rec,  V.  426)  :  «  Upon  complaint  of  Leiftenant 
Frary,  that  their  company  is  under  much  discouragement,  by  reason 
of  the  removing  of  Mr.  Sewall  from  them  to  command  another  com- 
pany, and  other  inconveniences  arising  thereby,  this  Court  judgeth  it 
meete  to  recall  that  former  order,  and  doe  appoint  Mr.  Samuel  Seawall 
captaine  of  that  company  belonging  to  Capt.  John  Hull,  and  Mr. 
Frary  to  remain  leiftenant  of  that  company  as  formerly." 


The  two  following  letters,  written  by  Sewall  in  the  years  daring 
which  his  Journal  fails  us,  are  here  reprinted  from  the  Mass.  Hist. 
Society's  Collections,  4th  Series,  Vol.  viii.  p.  516-7  :  — 

For  the  Reverend  Mr.  Increase  Mather^  in  Boston. 

Boston,  March  23,  1682-3. 
Honoured  Sir,  —  If  you  think  it  not  inconvenient,  I  have  some 
thoughts  what  if  I  should  print  the  Colledge-Laws  ?  that  so  every 
student  admitted  may  have  a  fair  Admittatur  to  keep  p""  him, 
in  memory  of  his  Admission.  I  know  that  to  avoid  writing  out  a 
copy,^  many  borrow  Laws  to  present  at  their  Admission,  which  they 
are  fain  to  return  agen  awhile  after,  which  is  very  mischievous,  for 
by  that  means,  they  are  without  both  Laws  and  Admittatur.  I 
supose  the  Colledge-Orders  are  not  very  bulkey,  so  I  could  have  some 
stitch't  up  in  Marble-Paper,  and  (considering  the  fewness  of  what 
shall  part  with)  afford  them  at  a  very  easy  rate. 

Sir,  Your  friend  and  Serv!  Samiiel  Sewall. 

For  his  much  esteemed  Friend^  Mr.  Cotton  Mather^  pr.  Eliakim  M. 

Boston,  Xr.  25,  84. 

Sir,  —  Would,  intreat  you  to  send  me  the  little  book  you  spake  of 
to  me,  which  Dr.  Owen  writt  of  the  Glory  of  Christ. 

Please  also,  in  stead  of  some  Recreation,  when  you  can  spare  the 
time,  to  give  me  your  Reasons  why  the  Heart  of  America  may  not 
be  the  seat  of  the  New-Jerusalem.  The  worthy  Pastor  of  Newbury, 
in  his  fourth  letter  to  Mr.  Meade,  (which  I  thank  you  for  directing 
me  to,)  warrants  me  in  such  an  Inquiry.  Your  Arguments,  briefly 
laid  down  under  several  heads,  will  be  refreshing  to  me  to  have  them 
to  consider  of.  Desiring  your  Prayers,  that  I  may  be  found  in 
Christ,  not  having  my  own  Righteousness,  I  take  leave,  who  am.  Sir, 
Yours,  Sam.  Sewall. 

My  son  Sam:  is  still  sick. 

1  A  specimen  of  a  written  copy  is  in  Mass.  Hist.  Soc.  Proc. ,  for  March; 
1876.  — Eds.] 


DIARY    OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  59 

[Oct.  15,  1684  (Col.  Rec,  Y.  456) :  « In  answer  of  the  petition  of 
Samuel  Seawall,  Esq.  humbly  shewing  that  his  house  of  wood  in 
Boston,  at  the  hill  where  the  Reverend  Mr.  John  Cotton  formerly 
dwelt,  which  house  is  considerably  distant  from  other  building  and 
standeth  very  bleake,  he  humbly  desiring  the  favour  of  this  Court  to 
grant  him  liberty  to  build  a  smale  porch  of  wood,  about  seven  F  >ote 
square,  to  breake  of  the  winde  from  the  fore  doore  of  said  house  the 
Court  grants  his  request." 

The  house  thus  mentioned  by  Sewall  was  undoubtedly  that  Wiiich 
had  belonged  to  his  father-in-law,  John  Hull.^  It  had  belonged  to 
Rev.  John  Cotton,  as  the  following  statements  of  title  will  show. 

We  give,  in  the  first  place,  an  extract  from  the  will  of  Rev.  John 
Cotton. 

Suff.  Wills,  I.  52 :  "  And  because  that  south  part  of  my  house 
which  Sir  Henry  Yane  built,  whilst  he  sojourned  with  me,  he  by  a 
deed  gave  it  (at  his  departure)  to  my  son  Seaborn,  I  do  therefore 
leave  it  unto  him  as  his  by  right,  and  together  therewith  liberty 
of  commonage  with  his  mother,  in  that  south  garden,  which  lyeth 
under  it." 

To  his  wife,  for  life,  "  the  dwelling  house  wherein  I  now  live." 
After  her  death,  all  houses  and  lands  were  to  be  divided  among  his 
children,  Seaborn  having  a  double  share. 

Evidently,  therefore,  this  Cotton  mansion  was  a  double  house,  and 
John  Hull  bought  the  southerly  or  Yane  portion  first.  The  record 
is  as  follows  :  — 

Sufi:  Deeds,  YI.  227.  Sept.  24.  1664.  Seaborn  Cotton  of  Hamp- 
ton and  Dorothy  his  wife,  sell  to  John  Hull  for  £200  —  all  that  parcel 
of  land  given  S.  C.  by  the  will  of  his  father  John  Cotton  —  and  con- 
firmed to  him  by  deeds  of  Mrs.  Sarah  Mather  of  Dorchester,  and 
Increase  and  Mariah  Mather  of  Boston,  and  John  Cotton  and  Johan- 
nah,  his  wife,  of  Gilford,  —  "  and  likewise  the  House  that  was  some- 
times S^  Henry  Yanes."  —  which  said  house  and  land  is  situate  in 
Boston  and  bounded  as  follows  — 

"  Bounded  with  the  Towne  street  on  the  East ;  Mr.  Howard  and 
Mr.  Bellingham  on  the  south ;  Mr.  Bellingham  and  some  land  belong- 
ing to  the  said  Seaborn,  Sarah,  Increase  and  John  on  the  west ;  and 
by  cast  and  west  line  from  the  street  to  the  Hill  even  with  the  north 
side  of  the  said  House." 

May  28,  1677  (Deeds,  Lib.  10,  f.  108),  Seaborn  Cotton  sold  hia 


^  Hull  wi'ites,  in  1674,  "  My  habitation  is  greatly  disadvantageous  for 
trade ;  yet  because  I  always  desired  a  quiet  life,  and  not  too  much  business, 
it  was  always  best  for  me."  —  Eds.] 


60  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL. 

[half  of  the  northerly  part  of  the  house  and  land,  *'  which  was  the 
mansion  house  of  the  late  John  Cotton,"  to  Nicholas  Paige  ;  and, 
Aug.  17,  1677  (Deeds,  Lib.  10,  f.  170),  Increase  Mather  and  John 
Cotton  sold  to  Paige  their  part  of  this  same  northerly  half.  The 
boundaries  in  both  deeds  are :  north  by  land  of  Simon  Lynde  and 
house  and  land  in  which  Governor  Endicott  last  dwelt ;  south  by 
land  of  John  Hull,  Bellingham  heirs,  and  heirs  of  James  Davis ;  east 
by  the  highway  :  west  by  the  foot  of  Beacon  Hill. 

April  30,  1G78  (Deeds,  Lib.  10,  f.  338)  Paige  mortgages  to  Thomas 
Deane,  by  the  same  boundaries,  except  that  on  the  south  John  Wing 
is  instead  of  heirs  of  James  Davis. 

]\Iay  1,  1681  (Deeds,  XII.  f.  49),  Paige  again  mortgages  to  Deane, 
bounded  north  by  Simon  Lynde  and  Edward  Sbippen  ;  south  by 
John  Hull  and  Bellingham  heirs  ;  east  and  west  as  before.  This 
mortgage  was  discharged  May  29, 1682 ;  and  on  the  same  day  (Deeds, 
Xn.  f.  216)  Paige  sells  the  lot  to  John  Hull,  bounded  north  by  Simon 
Lynde  and  land  of  Edward  Shippen,  formerly  the  dwelling-place  of 
Governor  Endicott.^ 

Following  these  early  records  with  the  light  thrown  upon  them 
by  the  late  N.  I.  Bowditch,  in  his  "  Gleaner"  articles  in  the  "  Boston 
Transcript "  for  1855-6,  we  arrive  at  the  following  results :  — 

Where  is  now  Pemberton  Square,  formerly  rose  Gentry  or  Sentry 
Hill.  At  a  very  early  date  evidently,  the  town  had  laid  out  Tremont 
Row  from  School  Street  to  Court  Street,  and  Sudbury  Street,  as  it 
was  termed,  to  Court  Street  corner. 

Probably  the  hill  was  not  so  near  the  line  of  the  street  as  to  pre- 
clude the  placing  of  houses  there. 

We  will  begin  at  the  south  end  of  Tremont  Row,  with  John  Cog- 
gan's  lot,  which  occupied  the  land  covered  by  the  Pavilion  and  Court, 
being  76  feet  on  Tremont  Street.  It  bounded  north  on  Bellingham, 
running  west  322  feet,  and  nearly  reaching  Somerset  Street. 

Then  came  Bellingham's  lot,  bounded  east  on  the  street  (Tremont 
Row),  John  Cotton  and  Daniel  Maud,  north.  According  to  Mr. 
Bowditch,  this  lot  was  sold  in  two  parts.     In  1663,  B.  sold  to  Hum- 


'  This  corrects  another  error  of  Shaw  (copied  by  S.  A.  Drake,  p.  47),  who 
says  (p.  291)  that  Governor  Endicott's  house  stood  on  the  lot  owned  by  Gar- 
diner Greene.  Bendall  sold  to  David  Yale  (Deeds,  II.  f.  48),  whose  attorneys 
sold  to  Captain  John  Wall.  Wall's  widow  and  son  (Deeds,  Lib.  XL  f.  195) 
sold,  in  1678,  to  Edward  Shippen,  a  house  and  two  acres  of  land,  bounded 
on  a  messuage  now  or  heretofore  of  Mr.  Cotton,  south,  and  Sudbury  Street 
east.  Mr.  Bowditch  says  that  this  lot  was,  in  1768,  sold  to  Dr.  James  Lloyd, 
(Deeds,  Lib.  315,  f.  273.)  — Eds.] 


DIAKY  OF  SAMUEL  SEWALL.  61 

[phrey  Davy  the  south  part,  and  Davy's  heirs  sold  it  (being  140  feet 
on  the  street,  as  Bowditch  says),  with  a  stone  house  thereon,  to  An- 
drew Faneuil.  Here  Peter  Faneuil  lived  and  died,  and  after  him 
John  Vassall  owned  it.  The  north  half  was  sold  by  Bellingham's 
heirs,  in  1693,  to  the  deacons  of  the  First  Church,  and  it  measured 
62  feet  on  the  street.  William  Phillips  bought  both  lots,  1791  and 
1805.     A  rear  lot  remained,  and  was  bought  by  Sewall. 

This  would  seem  to  make  Bellingham's  front  202  feet  on  the 
street. 

Next  came  Daniel  Maud's  lot,  "  137  feet  on  the  street,  with  an 
average  depth  of  80  feet,"  says  Bowditch,  bounded  north  and  west 
by  Cotton. 

We  have  thus  arrived  at  Cotton's  lot,  afterwards  Hull's  and  Sew- 
all's.  Bowditch  says :  "  The  west  line  of  Cotton's  estate  coincides 
with  the  east  line  of  Bulfinch's  pasture,  i.e.  of  the  Church  estate  in 
Ashburton  Place.  Its  north  line  ran  630  feet  in  a  straight  course  to 
Tremont  Row,  including  the  house  lots  on  the  north  side  of  Ashbur- 
ton Place,  and  the  whole  central  portion  of  Pemberton  Square,  em- 
bracing the  fronts  of  all  the  houses  on  its  west  side  south  of  Mr. 
Francis's  lands,  and  corresponding  portions  of  the  houses  on  its  east 
side,  both  north  and  south  of  the  entrance  from  Tremont  Row. 

"  Cotton's  estate  (with  Bellingham's  united  in  the  Sewall  family  ^) 
measured  east  on  Tremont  Row  163  feet  or  nearly  to  the  south  line 
of  the  present  entrance  to  the  square.  It  had  various  jogs  outwards 
on  its  southerly  line,  greatly  enlarging  its  contents,  adding  perhaps 
90  feet  more  to  its  average  width  for  a  depth  of  over  300  feet." 

Cotton's  north  line  was  on  Edward  Bendall,  whose  lot  passed  to 
Edward  Shippen,  and  then  in  part  to  Cyprian  Southack.  This  lot 
measured  103  feet  on  Court  Street.^    Then  came  Robert  Meeres's  lot 


1  We  must  confess  our  inability  to  understand  this  remark.  Bowditch 
seems  to  trace  both  parts  of  Bellingham's /ron^  lot  into  the  hands  of  William 
Phillips,  and  thence  to  Patrick  T.  Jackson,  without  touching  Hull  or  Sewall. 
Probably  Mr.  Bowditch  alluded  to  the  fact  that  Sewall  did  buy  a  back  lot  of 
Bellingham's  land,  Oct.  11,  1697  (Lib.  11,  f.  439-412),  from  Elizabeth  (Sav- 
age) Bellingham,  wife  of  Samuel,  son  of  Richard  B.  The  sale  was  confirmed 
(Lib.  21,  f.  110)  by  her  trustees,  Edward  Hull  and  John  Shelton,  both  of 
London.  This  land  was  "  adjoining  to  the  hill  formerly  belonging  to  John 
Cotton,"  and  bounded  north  by  land  of  S.  Sewall;  east  by  land  of  Samuel 
Sewall,  and  in  part  by  lands  belonging  to  the  First  Church,  now  occupied  by 
Mr.  John  Bayley,  south  by  land  lately  of  Humphrey  Davie,  and  west  by  land 
late  of  Captain  John  Wing,  —  being  about  half  an  acre.  —  Eds. 

2  This  remark  of  "  Gleaner's  "  requires  some  explanation.  The  Bendall- 
Shippen  lot  seems  to  have  been  of  an  irregular  shape.     Three  lots  were  sold,] 


62  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL. 

[of  85  feet  on  the  street,  and  the  corner  lot  on  Howard  Street  was 
that  of  Robert  Howen. 


Cotton  Hill,  therefore,  seems  to  have  touched  Tremont  Street  at 
its  south  corner,  very  nearly  at  the  present  outlet  of  Pemberton 
Square,  and  to  have  continued  northerly  round  the  curve  for  163  feet, 
the  greater  part  facing  ScoUay  Square.  Before  citing  the  deed8 
which  explain  the  descent  of  the  land,  it  may  be  well  to  say  a  word 
about  the  Cotton  house,  once  occupied  by  Sir  Henry  Vane,  in  cor- 
rection of  errors  already  in  print  elsewhere.  Mr.  S.  A.  Drake,  in  his 
"Landmarks  of  Boston,"  p.  51,  makes  this  house  to  be  one  which 
was  standing  in  1817,  when  Shaw  wrote  and.  so  described  it,  a  little 
south  of  the  entrance  to  Pemberton  Square ;  and  this  was  evidently 
the  tradition.     (See  Recollections  of  S.  Breck,  p.  41.) 

Although  Shaw  says,  in  1817,  that  Grovernor  Bellingham's  house 
stood  on  the  spot  where  Faneuil  built,  this  seems  to  be  an  error.  When 
Bellingham  sold  that  south  lot,  he  sold  land  only ;  but,  in  selling  the 
north  lot,  a  house  and  land  passed.  Hence,  it  is  probable  that  the 
venerable  mansion  referred  to  was  that  of  Governor  Bellingham. 
The  First  Church  sold  the  house  and  lot  in  1787  to  Sampson  Reed. 
(Deeds,  Lib.  160,  f.  166.)  William  Phillips  bought  it  in  1805,  hav- 
ing bought  the  other  Bellingham  lot  in  1797. 

Certainly  Bowditch  held  that  this  old  house  was  not  Cotton's,  for 
he  writes  as  follows  about  this  north  lot :  "  Upon  this  lot  stood  a 
most  ancient-looking  building,  with  windows  of  very  small  panes  of 
glass.  I  have  heard  it  stated,  and  have  reason  to  believe  it  true, 
that  when  it  was  pulled  down,  a  chair  was  made  from  some  of  its 
timbers  for  the  late  Hon.  Judge  Davis,  as  possessing  great  antiqua- 
rian interest,  under  the  idea  that  it  was  in  this  house  that  Sir  Henry 
Vane  sojourned.  It  was  within  one  of  being  the  right  house,  but  a 
miss  is  as  good  (or  as  bad)  as  a  mile,  in  such  a  matter." 

The  deeds  of  SewalPs  grandchildren  seem  to  show  that  their  home- 
stead, the  Cotton-Hull-Se wall-Cooper  house,  was  on  the  northerly 
side  of  the  lot,  and  near  the  street.  It  was  occupied  in  1758  by 
William  Yassall,  and  probably  afterwards  by  Patrick  Jeffrey.  We 
are  assured  by  the  family  that  Gardiner  Greene  did  not  alter  the 
Vassall  house,  which  he  bought  and  lived  in  ;  and,  as  it  was  a  large 


measuring  170  feet  on  Court  Street,  north  of  Howard  Street,  or  Southack 
Court,  which  Southack  laid  out ;  and  the  other  part  was  of  an  L-shape,  bounded 
141  feet  on  Howard  Street  north,  440  feet  west  on  Bulfinch,  614  feet  south  on 
Cotton,  and  then  coming  out  to  Tremont  Row,  where  it  measured  103  feet. 
—  Eds.] 


DIARY  OF  SAMUEL  SEWALL.  63 

[sqimre  house  of  the  usual  pattern,  we  may  conclude  that  it  was 
essentially  in  the  form  that  Cooper,  and  probably  Sewall,  gave  it. 
Possibly  it  was  the  Hull  and  Cotton  house  intact;  at  all  events,  as 
we  have  shown,  if  the  Cotton-Vane  house  was  not  destroyed  at  an 
earlier  date,  this  must  represent  it. 


The  title  of  the  land  seems  to  have  passed  as  follows :  Sewall 
seems  to  have  left  no  will,  and  his  property  was  divided  among  his 
heirs  by  an  elaborate  scheme  of  lot.  His  daughter  Judith,  who  married 
the  Rev.  William  Cooper,  inherited  the  house  and  land  at  Cotton  Hill. 

Dec.  30,  1753,  the  Cooper  heirs,  William,  Samuel,  and  Thomas  and 
Judith  Cooper  agreed  to  a  division  of  the  estate.  As  they  soon 
united  in  a  sale  of  all  their  shares  (Thomas  Cooper's  being  sold  Feb.  2, 
1758,  to  Jacob  Wendell,  Deeds,  Lib.  91,  f.  76),  it  is  unnecessary  to  give 
the  details.  It  may  be  noted  that  the  arbitrators  set  off  "  a  passage 
way  20  feet  wide  from  Treamount  street  to  the  back  part  of  the 
dwelling  house  first  mentioned,  and  from  thence  turning  southerly, 
keeping  the  same  width,  and  running  westerly  thirty  feet  into  Valley 
acre  aforesaid,  to  lye  open,"  &c. 

Valley  Acre  is  represented  on  Lieut.  Page's  map  of  Boston  in  1777, 
as  a  high  hill  east  of  Beacon  Hill.  Mr.  Bowditch  says  that  it  "  em- 
braced the  lands  on  both  sides  of  Somerset  street  to  Bulfinch  st.  &c., 
and  extended  down  the  hill  to  the  low  ground  on  Court  street. 

The  actual  transfer  was  as  follows  :  — 

Lib.  92,  f.  52.  Sept.  1758.  Jacob  Wendell,  William  Cooper  and 
Samuel  Cooper  of  Boston,  John  Sever  and  wife  Judith  of  Kingston 
sold  to  Wm.  Vassall  as  follows  :  — 

Jacob  Wendell  sells  for  £250  house  and  land  a  house  formerly  in  the 
occupation  of  Samuel  Kneeland  and  now  of  Mrs.  Thorn  and  Mrs.  Mont- 
gomery—  bound  west  on  house  and  land  formerly  occupied  by  Daniel 
Bell  and  now  by  Peter  Mourfield  and  Mrs  Sarah  Kenedy,  46  feet ; 
north  on  land  of  John  Jekyll  dec?  158  feet;  east  on  Treamont  street 
70  feet ;  south  on  a  passage  way  166  feet. 

Also  land  adjoining  to  Valley  Achor,  bounded  east  on  land  of  Judith 
Cooper  now  Judith  Sever,  174  feet ;  south  on  garden  of  Peter  Fan- 
euil  120  feet ;  west  on  Thompson's  pasture  and  Valley  Achor  174 
feet;  north  on  a  passage  way  180  feet. 

William  Cooper  sold  for  £500  the  southerly  half  of  a  house  and 
land  occupied  by  s^  Wm.  Vassall,  bounded  south  on  land  of  John 
Erving  and  garden  of  said  Cooper,  177  feet  from  Treamount  street 
up  towards  Valley  Achor;  east  on  Treamount  street  33  feet  to  land 
of  John  Erving  ;  west  on  land  of  Judith  Sever  20  feet ;  north  ou  the] 


64  DIARY    OF   S.UIUEL    SEWALL. 

[other  half  of  said  house  belonging  to  Rev.  Samuel  Cooper,  177  feet 
from  Tremont  st.  up  towards  Valley  Achor. 

Also  a  garden  adjoining  the  house,  bounded  north  on  the  house 
&  yard  behind  it,  101  feet;  east  on  land  of  John  Erving  120  feet; 
south  on  land  occupied  by  Rev.  Thomas  Foxcroft  97  feet ;  west  on 
land  of  Judith  Sever  122  feet. 

Also  one  half  of  land  commonly  called  Yalley  Achor  east  on  land 
formerly  of  Tho^  Cooper  but  now  of  Jacob  Wendell,  40  feet ;  south 
on  Thompson's  Pasture  280  feet ;  west  on  Joseph  Sherburn  17  feet; 
south  on  Sherburn  35  feet ;  west  on  land  formerly  of  Sam.  Lynde 
now  of  heirs  of  Thomas  Bulfinch  80  feet ;  north  on  a  passage  way 
320  feet.  [This  was  a  passage,  20  feet  wide,  lying  in  common,  set  off 
at  the  division.] 

Samuel  Cooper  sold  for  £250  the  north  half  of  the  house  occupied 
by  Yassall  &  land  bounded  east  on  Tremont  street  40  feet ;  south  by 
the  other  half  of  the  house  177  feet ;  west  on  Judith  Sever  16  feet; 
north  on  a  passage  way  177  feet  from  s^  street  up  towards  Valley 
Achor. 

John  Sever  and  wife  Judith  for  £250  sold  the  house  now  occupied 
by  Mr  Mourfield  &  Mrs  Kennedy  —  bounded  east  on  the  house  occu- 
pied by  Mrs  Thorn  and  Mrs.  Montgomery  46  feet ;  south  on  a  passage 
leading  up  to  Valley  Achor  170  feet  west  on  Valley  Achor  63  feet, 
north  on  heirs  of  John  Jekyll  150  feet. 

Also  one  half  of  Valley  Achor  adjoining  said  house,  bounded  east 
on  said  land  63  feet ;  south  on  land  of  William  Cooper  320  feet ;  west 
on  land  of  Lynde  now  of  Bulfinch  heirs  36  feet ;  north  on  land  for- 
merly of  Capt  Cyprian  Southac  now  of  John  Tyng,  320  feet. 

Also  a  lot  near  the  house  occupied  by  Vassall  bounded  north  on  a 
passage  way  up  to  Valley  Achor  70  feet ;  east  on  land  of  Wm  & 
Samuel  Cooper,  and  of  Rev  Thof  Foxcroft  220  feet ;  south  on  garden 
of  Peter  Faneuil  70  feet;  west  on  land  of  Jacob  Wendell  174  feet. 


All  the  aforementioned  houses  and  lands  being  the  estate  of  the 
late  Judith  Cooper,  mother  of  the  grantors,  which  was  bounded  as 
follows :  — 

East  on  Tremont  street  163  feet. 

North  on  heirs  of  John  Jekyll  311  feet,  and  of  Capt  Cyprian  Southac 
(now  John  Tyng)  on  Valley  Achor  295  feet,  and  heirs  of  Bulfinch  20 
feet  —  the  whole  line  from  Treamount  street  up  to  and  cross  Valley 
Achor  being  626  ft. 

West  on  heirs  of  Tho«  Bulfinch  116  ft. 

South  on  Joseph  Sherburn  36  feet ;  west  on  Sherburn  17  feet. 
South  on  Thompson's  Pasture  271  feet,  east  on  a  bend  of  11  feet,  then] 


DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  65 

[west  on  Thompson's  Pasture  114  feet ;  then  south  on  garden  of  Peter 
Faneuil  190  feet ;  then  east  on  land  occupied  by  Rev  Tho'  Foxcroft 
63  feet;  then  south  on  said  Foxcroft  98  feet;  then  east  on  John 
Erving  112  feet ;  then  south  on  said  Erving96  feet. 


William  Vassall  was  born  in  the  West  Indies  in  1715,  and  came 
with  his  father  Leonard  Vassall  to  Boston.  He  was  of  H.  C.  1733  ; 
sheriff  of  Middlesex,  a  mandamus  counsellor,  and  a  refugee.  He 
sold  the  Cooper  estate  to  his  nephew  Leonard  Vassall  Borland,  as 
appears  by  the  following  deed:  — 

L.  179,  f.  2-10.  23  March,  1787.  Wm.  Vassall  formerly  of  Boston, 
now  of  Battersea  co.  Surrey,  Eng.  sold  for  £4000  to  Leonard  Vassall 
Borland  of  Boston  —  house  and  land  bounded  north  on  Dr.  James 
Lloyd,  211  ft.,  John  Tyng  on  Valley  Acre  295  ft.  and  Thomas  Bulfinch 
20  feet;  west  on  Bulfinch  116  feet;  southwest  on  heirs  of  Thomas 
Shei-burne  ;  south  on  said  heirs,  on  Isaiah  Doane,  on  land  belonging 
to  the  parish  of  the  Old  Brick  Meeting  house,  and  on  heirs  of  John 
Ervine  ;  (distance  not  given) ;  southeast  on  said  land  (of  Ervine)  and 
east  on  Tremont  st.  133  feet  —  including  land  bought  of  Joseph  Sher- 
burne and  recorded  Lib.  118  f .  170.  Also  sundry  small  houses  bounded 
south  on  the  Writing  School  &c. 

There  was  probably  some  informality  about  this,  but  April  19, 1790, 
John  Lowell  as  attorney  for  William  Vassall  sold  (Deeds,  179,  f.  241, 
242,  6,  7,  8)  to  Patrick  Jeffrey,  uncle  of  the  famous  Francis,  Lord 
Jeffrey.  This  Patrick  came  to  Boston  and  married  a  widow.  Madam 
Haley,  sister  of  notorious  John  Wilkes. 

Jeffrey,  in  1801,  conveyed  to  the  town  a  strip  of  his  land  taken  for 
Somerset  Street,  which  was  extended  to  Beacon  Street.  (Deeds, 
Lib.  277,  f.  297.) 

He  then  sold  east  of  the  street,  in  1802,  to  Jonathan  Mason  for 
$36,000  (Deeds,  Lib.  203,  f.  32) ;  and,  in  1804  (Deeds,  Lib.  210,  f .  138), 
he  sold  the  part  west  of  Somerset  Street  to  Asa  Hammond. 

Jonathan  Mason,  in  1803,  sold  the  eastern  lot  for  $41,000  to  Gardi- 
ner Greene.  (Lib.  205,  f.  252.)  This  estate  in  Mr.  Greene's  posses- 
sion became  one  of  the  most  noted  sites  in  Boston. 

Mr.  Greene  acquired  in  1824  the  Maud  estate,  already  noticed  as 
lying  next  south  of  Cotton's  lot,  and  thus  obtained  about  300  feet 
front  on  Tremont  Street.     (Deeds,  293,  f.  196.) 

Finally,  in  1835,  the  Phillips  and  Greene  estates  with  others  were 
Bold  to  Patrick  T.  Jackson,  and  Pemberton  Square  was  laid  out.] 


66  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [168|. 

[It  may  be  well  to  say  a  word  about  Sewall's  political  position,  as 
he  is  found  acting  as  a  magistrate  or  deputy  when  his  Diary  recom- 
mences. He  was  chosen  a  deputy  in  1684,  probably  out  of  respect  to 
the  long  services  of  his  father-in-law,  then  recently  deceased. 

Hutchinson  writes  (Hist.  I.  341)  :  "  There  were  all  the  symptoms, 
notwithstanding,  of  an  expiring  constitution.  Several  of  the  towns 
neglected  to  send  their  deputies  in  the  year  1684.  Little  business 
was  done  at  the  court.  The  people,  indeed,  showed  some  resentment 
against  the  magistrates,  who  had  been  forward  for  surrendering. 
Mr.  Dudley,  Richards  and  Brown  were  dropped,  Cooke  Johnson  and 
Hutchinson  chose  in  their  stead.  Mr.  Bradstreet,  the  governor,  Mr. 
Stoughton,  Bulkley,  Saltonstall  and  Gidney  had  fewer  votes  than 
usual.  (The  Governor  had  690  votes.  Danforth  had  631  for  Gov- 
ernor.) 

''  There  seems  to  have  been  as  much  indifference  in  the  legislature 
about  public  affairs  in  1685,  expecting  every  day  to  be  superseded." 

The  great  political  issue  during  these  years -was,  of  course,  that  of 
the  surrender  of  the  charter  of  the  Colony.  It  is  impossible  to  read 
Sewall's  own  account  of  the  progress  of  affairs  in  1685  and  1686, 
without  concluding  that,  though  his  sympathies  were  with  the  sup- 
porters of  the  charter,  he  refrained  from  taking  any  prominent  part, 
and  that  he  was  personally  on  friendly  terms  with  Dudley  and 
Stoughton.  —  Eds.] 


[The  Journal  is  now  continued  from  the  autograph  manuscript  of  the 
Second  Volume,  in  the  Cabinet  of  the  Soeiety.  —  Eds.] 

Wednesday  Febr.  11,  1684-5.  —  Joshua  Moodey  and 
self  set  out  for  Ipswich.  I  lodge  at  Sparkes's.  Next  day, 
Feb.  12,  goe  to  lecture  which  Mr.  Moodey  preaches,  then 
I  dine  with  Mr.  Cobbet,  and  so  ride  to  Newbury ;  visit  Mr. 
Richardson  sick  of  the  dry  Belly  ake.  Monday,  Febr.  16, 
Get  Mr.  Phillips  and  Payson  to  Town  and  so  keep  a  Fast- 
day,  Mr.  Moodey  Preaching  Forenoon,  Mr.  Phillips  After- 
noon, Mr.  Woodbridge  and  Payson  assisting  in  Prayer; 
was  a  pretty  full  Assembly,  Mr.  Moodey  having  given 
notice  the  Sabbath-day,  on  which  he  preached  all  day.  At 
Wenham  and  Ipswich,  as  we  went,  we  were  told  of  the 
Earthquake  in  those  parts  and  at  Salem  (Feb.  8).  the 
Sabbath  before  about  the  time  of  ending  Afternoon  Exer- 
cise; That  which  most  was  sensible  of  was  a  startling 


16S|.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  67 

dolefull  Sound;  but  many  felt  the  Shaking  also,  Peter 
and  Jane  Toppan.  Mr.  Phillips  had  not  finished  his  Ser- 
mon, and  was  much  surprised  at  the  Sound,  expecting 
when  the  House  would  have  Crackt.  In  several  places 
Exercise  was  over. 

Tuesday  Febr.  17,  I  and  Brother,  sister  Stephen  Sewall 
Kide  to  Sparkes's  by  the  Ferry,  great  part  in  the  Snow  ; 
Dined  with  Ipswich  Select-Men.  18*.^  I  Lodged  there  ; 
the  Morn  was  serene ;  came  to  Salem,  seeing  Mrs.  Hale 
by  the  way  ;  staid  Lecture,  came  to  Boston,  found  all 
well.     Laus  Deo. 

Tuesday  March  10th.  1684-5.  Deputies  for  Boston  are 
Mr.  Isaac  Addington  votes  90  and  odd,  Mr.  John  Saffin  70 
and  odd,  Mr.  Timothy  Prout  50  and  odd,  Mr.  Anthony 
Stoddards  passed  by,  who  hath  been  annually  chosen  about 
these  twenty  years :  Mr.  John  Fayerwether  left  out.  Am 
chosen  for  the  year.  Mr.  Addington  chosen  a  Commis- 
sioner also  to  seal  up  the  Votes  and  carry  them.  In  the 
Afternoon  I  carried  my  Wife  to  see  Mrs.  Flint ;  wayes 
extream  bad. 

Thorsday,  March  12, 1684-5.  Mr.  John  Bayly  preached 
from  Amos  4.  12,  and  Mr.  WiUard  from  2  Cor.  4.  16-18  ; 
both  Sermons  and  Prayers  Excellent.  In  the  even  2  first 
Staves  of  the  46  Ps  sung.  Watched  with  Isaac  Goose 
and  Sam  Clark,  had  a  pleasant  Night,  Gave  each  Watch 
12c?.  to  drink.  Satterday  March  14th.  went  to  Mr.  God- 
dard  of  Watertown  to  buy  Hay,  Dined  as  I  went  with 
Thomas  Danforth,  Esq.  and  Lady ;  visited  Mr.  Sherman 
as  I  came  back.  Wednesday  March  25th,  1685.  went  to 
Cambridge  with  Capt.  Elisha  Hutchinson,  there  meet  with 
Lieut.  Johnson ;  at  Mr.  Cotton's  Chamber  the  Deputy 
Governor  tells  how  Major  Bordman  dyed  that  morning ; 
he  had  been  College  Cook  a  long  time.  Dined  with  the 
Commissioner  of  Middlesex  at  the  Ordinary,  then  pro- 
ceeded in  our  Errand  to  Mr.  Sherman  from  the  Council 
to  enquire  when  Easter  Day  was,  and  consequently  our 


68  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1685. 

Election,^  because  by  the  Rule  in  the  Prayer  Book  it 
should  be  a  Week  sooner.  Mr.  Sherman  was  pleasant 
and  took  it  for  granted  'twas  as  the  Almanack  had  set 
it,  i.  e.  an  English  Almanack,  w^hich  I  shewed  him.  Dep- 
uty Governour  told  the  Commissioners  this  was  the  last 
time  they  were  like  to  convene  for  such  a  purpose. 

Thorsday  March  26th.  1685.  Went  to  the  Gathering 
of  the  Church  at  Sherborn  and  ordaining  Mr.  Daniel 
Gookin  their  Pastor.  But  six  Brethren  and  three  of  the 
Names,  Mors.  Mr.  Wilson,  Mr.  Adams  and  Mr.  Nathan- 
iel Gookin  of  Cambridge  managed  the  Work ;  Mr.  NatW 
Gookin  the  younger  introduced  the  Elder,  a  happy  Type 
of  the  Calling  the  Jews.  Mr.  Torrey,  Brinsmead,  Fisk, 
Estabrooks,  Man,  Moodey,  Hubbard,  West,  Sherman,Wood- 
rop,  Rawson,  Grindal,  Wilson  jun""  there,  and  Fellows  of 
the  Colledge:  Only  Major  General  and  self  of  Magistrates. 
No  Relations  were  made,  but  I  hope  God  was  with  them. 
I  put  up  a  Note  to  pray  for  the  Indians  that  Light  might 
be  communicated  to  them  by  the  Candlestick,  but  my 
Note  was  with  the  latest,  and  so  not  professedly  prayed 
for  at  all. 

Tuesday,  March  the  last,  went  to  Weymouth,  heard 
Mr.  Brinsmead  preach  from  Pro  v.  10.  29 ;  see  my  Book 
of  Records.  After  Lecture  I  took  the  Acknowledgment 
of  many  Deeds.  In  the  even  Angel  Torrey  brings  word 
that  little  Hull  was  seized  with  Convulsions  ;  His  first  Fit 
was  when  I  was  at  Water  town,  25th  March.  Lodged  with 
Mr.  Brinsmead. 

Wednesday  morn  April  1.  Speaking  to  Mr.  Brinsmead 
to  pray  for  drying  up  the  River  Euphrates,^  he  told  me  he 

1  By  the  Charter,  the  annual  election  was  to  be  held  on  "  the  last  Wednes- 
day in  Easter  terme  yearely."  This  plan  made  the  day  vary  each  year,  the 
extremes  being  May  2,  1638,  and  June  2,  1641.  In  1685,  the  day  observed 
was  May  27.  — Eds. 

2  Judge  Sewall,  as  the  numerous  references  in  his  papers  indicate,  con- 
tinued through  his  whole  life  to  pursue  those  biblical  and  theological  studies 
to  which  his  attention  had  been  drawn  when  he  had  in  view  the  work  of  the 


I 


1685.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  69 

had  prayed  that  God  would  reveal  to  some  or  other  as  to 
Daniel  of  old,  the  Understanding  of  the  Prophesies  of  this 
time,  that  so  might  know  whereabouts  we  are.  Went 
home  :  Mr.  Torrey  accompanyed  me  to  Monotocot  Bridge  ; 
found  things  pretty  calm  at  home  and  the  Child  sleeping. 

—  Friday  April  3rd,  Mr.  Joseph  Eliot  and  I  Graft  some 
Walnut  Trees.  Apr.  14th  1685.  A  Ship  arrives  from 
New  castle  and  brings  News  of  the  death  of  Charles  the 
2nd,  and  Proclamation  of  James  the  2nd,  King.  Brought 
a  couple  of  printed  Proclamations  relating  to  that  affair. 
News  came  to  us  as  we  were  busy  opening  the  Nomina- 
tions just  before  Dinner ;  it  much  startled  the  Governour 
and  all  of  us.  In  the  morn  before  I  went  the  Governour 
said  that  a  Ship  master  had  been  with  him  from  Nevis, 
w^ho  told  him  Gov!"  Stapleton  should  say,  we  should  have 
a  new  Governour  before  he  got  to  Boston.  Master  dined 
with  Magistrates  and  Commissioners  at  Capt.  Wing's.  Car- 
ried my  wife  to  George  Bairsto's  yesterday,  April  13th. 

—  Thorsday,  April  16th,  a  Vessel  arrives  from  London. 
Mr.  Lord,  commander,  brings  Orders  to  the  several  Colo- 
nies to  proclaim  the  King.  Mr.  Blathwayt  writes  to  Simon 
Bradstreet,  Esq.  superscribed  For  His  Majestie's  Service, 
advising  that  't  would  be  best  for  us  early  to  doe  it ;  and 
our  Charter  being  vacated  in  Law  and  no  Government 
settled  here,  was  the  reason  we  were  not  writt  to  :  Copies 
and  forms  sent  to  us  as  to  the  other  Colonies,  but  no  mention 
of  Governour  and  Company.  Also  another  letter  was  writt 
to  Simon  Bradstreet,  Wm.  Stoughton,  Jos.  Dudley,  Peter 


ministry.  He  was  especially  interested  in  the  enigmas  of  prophetical  inter- 
pretation, and  in  solving  the  question  of  the  Lost  Tribes,  the  Peopling  of 
America,  the  Two  Witnesses,  &c.  The  sjinbols  represented  by  the  river 
Euphrates,  its  drying  up,  &c.  (Rev.  xvi.  12),  engaged  his  earnest  thought, 
and  were  frequently  the  subjects  of  his  correspondence  with  divines,  as  bear- 
ing upon  the  triumphs  of  the  Gospel.  Two  editions  were  published,  the  first 
in  1697,  of  what  he  considered  his  magnum  opus,  under  the  title  of  "  Phe- 
nomena Quaedam  Apocalyptica, "  &c.  This  is  one  of  the  many  books  that 
are  handled  only  when  the  shelves  which  hold  them  are  dusted.  —  Eds. 


70  DIARY   OF   SAIMUEL   SEWALL.  [1685. 

Bulkeley,  Sam'l.  Shrimpton,  Kicliard  Wharton,  Esquires, 
to  proclaim  the  King.  Suppose  this  was  done  lest  the 
Government  should  have  neglected  to  do  it.  The  Council 
agreed  to  proclaim  the  King  before  they  knew  of  the  Let- 
ter. Major  Richards  counted  the  Votes  for  Mr.  Dudley, 
told  them  twice  over,  and  still  found  them  666,  and  so 
'twas  entered  and  sent  to  the  Towns,     s.s. 

Monday  April  20th.  The  King  is  Proclaimed ;  8  Com- 
panies, the  Troop,  and  several  Gentlemen  on  horseback 
assisting ;  three  Volleys  and  then  Canon  fired. ^  This  day 
a  child  falls  upon  a  Knife  which  run  through  its  cheek  to 
the  Throat,  of  which  inward  Wound  it  dies,  and  is  buried 
on  Wednesday.  'Tis  one  Gees  child.  —  Thorsday,  April 
23,  Mother  Sewall  comes  by  Water  in  Stephen  Green- 
leaf  to  see  us.  —  Sabbath,  April  26th,  I  go  to  Meeting ; 
staid  at  home  last  Sabbath  and  April  20th  by  reason  of 
my  Sore  Throat,  with  which  was  taken  the  night  before 
Mr.  Lord  came  in.  —  April  27th.  Father  Sweet  buried 
—  Tuesday,  April  28th  Began  to  wean  little  Hull  to  see 
if  that  might  be  a  means  to  free  him  of  Convulsions; 
he  had  one  yesterday.  —  Wednesday,  April  29th,  The 
Vessel  of  which  Matthew  Soley  died  Master  in  London, 
arrives,  and  brings  Gazettes  to  the  2d.  of  March.  The 
King  was  buried  14th  of  Febr.  in  the  even  privately. 

Friday,  May  the  first.  Mother  Sewall  goes  to  Salem ; 
my  Wife  and  I  go  with  her  to  visit  Mrs.  Bellingham,  and 
so  to  the  Ferry  Boat  in  which  met  with  a  Hampshire  Man 


1  The  entry  in  the  Colony  Records,  V.  474,  adds  a  little  to  the  picture. 
The  Governor  and  Council  having  ordered  his  Majesty  to  be  proclaimed  in 
the  High  Street  in  Boston,  it  was  "  donn  on  20th  of  Aprill  last,  the  honour- 
able Governor,  Deputy  Governor  and  Assistants  on  horseback,  with  thousands 
of  people,  a  troope  of  horse,  eight  foote  companys,  drums  beating,  trumpets 
sounding,  his  majesty  was  proclaymed  by  Edward  Rawson,  secretary,  on 
horsback,  and  John  Green,  marshall  generall,  taking  it  from  him,  to  the 
great  joy  and  loud  acclamations  of  the  people,  and  a  seventy  peec  of  ordi- 
nance next  after  the  volleys  of  horse  and  foote.  .  .  God  save  the  King,  &c.' 
—  Eds. 


1685.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  71 

that  had  been  well  acquainted  with  Mr.  Cox  and  such 
Hampshire  People,  several  of  them,  as  mother  knew : 
rode  to  Capt.  Marshal's  and  there  took  leave.  White  Oaks 
pretty  much  put  forth  :  'tis  a  forward  very  green  Spring. 
An  Apsoon  ^  man  arrives  of  about  5  weeks'  passage,  brings 
word  that  the  King  was  to  be  Proclaim' d  the  23rd  of 
April,  and  the  Parliament  to  sit  the  4th  of  May.  Mr. 
Tho.  Smith  from  Barbados  brings  the  Honourable  Francis 
Bond,  one  of  His  Majestie's  Council  for  that  Island,  and 
of  a  great  Estate,  also  one  Mr.  Middleton :  Former  comes 
to  recover  his  health.^  Father  Town  is  buried  at  Cam- 
bridge this  first  of  May.  Sundry  other  vessels  come  from 
England,  which  I  mention  not.  The  like  has  hardly  been 
known  as  to  earliness.  —  Sabbath  May  3rd,  a  letter  read 
from  the  N.[orth]  Church  wherein  Mr.  Willard  and  Mes- 
sengers desired  to  be  sent  in  order  to  ordain  Mr.  Cotton 
Mather,  Pastor  of  that  Church;  signed,  Increase  Mather, 
at  the  desire  and  order  of  the  Church.  The  Governour 
and  self  with  the  Deacons,  nominated  to  goe.  —  May  6th, 
General  Court  Assembles ;  Magistrates  vote  an  Address  to 
be  sent  by  the  Ship  now  ready  to  sail,  on  which  a  Nega- 
tive put.     A  Committee  chosen  to  Kevise  the  Laws,^  at 

1  Probably  from  Bergen-op-Zoom. — Eds. 

2  Francis  Bond,  Esq.,  is  mentioned  several  times  in  the  Barbadoes  lists 
printed  by  Hotten,  in  1874.  The  main  family  was  of  Cornwall;  but  one  off- 
shoot was  William  Bond,  of  London,  sheriff  in  1568,  "most  famous  in  his 
age  for  his  great  adventures  both  by  sea  and  land."  His  brother.  Sir  George 
Bond,  and  his  nephew,  Sir  George  AVhitmore,  were  Lord  Mayors  of  London. 
Numerous  junior  branches  are  indicated  in  the  genealogy.  The  main  branch 
lived  at  Sutton,  and  of  this  line  William  was  grandfather  of  Alice  Lisle, 
whose  judicial  murder  is  noted  in  these  pages.  —  Eds. 

3  The  report  of  the  committee  is  on  record,  under  date  of  May  27,  1685. 
(Col.  Rec.  V.  476.)  At  this  date,  also,  was  passed  a  law  establishing  a  Court 
of  Chancery  to  exercise  equity  jurisdiction.  This  revision  of  the  Colony 
laws,  "especially  those  more  lately  made,"  was  entered  upon  and  very 
slowly  and  grudgingly  pursued,  in  compliance  with  the  peremptory  excep- 
tions made  to  them  by  the  Attorney  and  Solicitor  General  of  England. 
Among  the  laws  which  were  annulled  was  that  which  sentenced  to  death 
Quakers  returning  from  banishment,  and  that  passed  in  1659  "  against  keep- 
ing Christmas."     The  Records  add:  "  For  greater  expedition  in  the  present 


h 


72  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1685. 

the  earnest  Suit  of  the  Deputies,  which  they  would  have 
had  them  made  a  Report  of  next  Tuesday,  but  agreed  to 
be  next  Election  Court.  Took  the  word  "  such  "  out  of 
the  late  Law^  printed  Title  ''  Convey  ancles  "  ;  made  some 
Freemen,  it  may  be  Twenty :  Dissolved  the  Court  on  Fri- 
day May  8th,  1685.  —  Thorsday,  May  7th.  a  youth  was 
Cut  for  the  Stone  and  a  great  one  taken  out  as  big  as  a 
Hen's  Egg.  —  Friday  morn,  May  8*.^  1685,  the  Lad  dies, 
at  Neighbour  Mason's,  and  now  his  Son  will  not  be  cut, 
seeing  this  stranger  fare  so  ill.  Mr.  John  Bayly  preached 
the  Lecture  for  Mr.  Mather,  from  Ps.  37.  4.  Delight  thy- 
self also  in  the  Lord  &c. 

Friday  May  8th  —  past  6,  even.  Walk  with  the  honored 
Governour  [Bradstreet]  up  Hoar's  Lane,^  so  to  the  Alms 

revisall  of  the  law^es,  this  Court  doth  order,  that  they  shall  be  sent  to  the 
presse  sheet  by  sheet,  and  that  the  Treasurer  make  payment  to  the  printer 
for  the  same  paper  and  worke,  June  10,  1685,  and  that  Elisha  Cook  and 
Samuel  Seawall,  Esqrs.,  be  desired  to  oversee  the  presse  about  that  worke." 
—  Eds. 

1  This  walk  is  not  easily  traced,  owing  to  the  indefiniteness  of  the  de- 
scriptions. Sewall,  of  course,  starts  from  his  house  on  Tremont  Row;  then 
by  Hoar's  Lane  to  the  almshouse.  This  last-named  site  is  well  known,  being 
on  the  corner  of  Park  and  Beacon  Streets.  Hoar's  Lane  is  therefore  pre- 
sumably that  part  of  Beacon  Street  reaching  from  Tremont  Street  to  Park 
Street.  Although,  by  the  town's  order  of  1708,  this  was  termed  Beacon 
Street,  yet  Bowditch  says  that,  in  a  deed  of  1750  (Suffolk,  Lib.  84,  f.  8),  it 
was  called  "  the  lane  leading  to  the  almshouse." 

But  why  called  Hoar's  Lane?  The  only  supposition  is,  that  the  name 
came  from  William  Hoare,  who  lived  on  the  south  corner  of  School  and 
Washington  Streets.  Hoare  mortgaged,  Dec.  13, 1683  (Deeds,  Lib.  13,  f.  61), 
to  Mrs.  Hull  and  Samuel  Sewall,  his  land  on  that  corner,  bounded  east  by 
the  street  to  Roxbury,  north  by  the  lane  running  from  said  street  to  the 
Training  Field,  south  by  Arthur  Mason,  west  by  Joseph  Whiting.  Hoar's 
wife,  Hannah,  was  daughter  of  Robert  Wright,  and  with  her  sister,  Lydia 
Griffin,  sold  land,  in  1700-1  (Deeds,  Lib.  20,  f.  218),  inherited  from  their 
father.  It  was  bounded  east  by  heirs  of  John  Blowers,  west  by  land  of  Dr. 
Elisha  Cooke,  south  by  Capt.  Samuel  Sewall's  land,  north  by  "  school-house 
lane,  so  called." 

From  the  Almshouse  they  went  ' '  down  the  length  of  the  Common  to  Mr. 
Dean's  pasture."  Presuming  this  means  down  Beacon  Street,  they  would 
reach  a  lot  of  about  five  acres,  bought  by  Thomas  Deane,  as  Bowditch  shows*, 
being  the  lots  of  Richard  Truesdale,  sold  May  14, 1667  (Deeds,  Lib.  5,  f.  234), 


1685.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  73 

House ;  then  down  the  length  of  the  Common  to  Mr.  Dean's 
Pasture,  then  throuo-h  Cowell's  Lane  to  the  New  Garden, 


and  Thomas  Miller  or  MiUard,  sold  May,  1668  (Deeds,  Lib.  5,  f.  249). 
Deane,  indeed,  sold  in  1672,  to  Whitcomb,  he  to  Hawkins,  who  sold  to  Sav- 
age, from  whom  Sewall  bought,  April  2,  1692.  (Lib.  1.5,  f.  183.)  This  estate 
was  then  known  as  Sewall 's  Elm  Pasture,  and  thereon  his  heirs  laid  out,  on 
paper.  Bishop-stoke  Street  and  Coventry  Street.  It  reached  from  Joy  Street 
west,  about  440  feet  on  Beacon  Street.     (Bowditch.) 

Clearly  this  ought  to  be  the  "  Deane's  pasture  "  in  question;  for,  doubt- 
less, Sewall  walked  by  it  often,  and  with  appreciative  eyes,  before  he 
bought  it. 

"Then  through  Cowell's  Lane  to  the  Xew  Garden."  Here  is  a  trouble, 
for  we  lack  any  authority  for  calling  the  lower  part  of  Beacon  Street  Cow- 
ell's Lane.  In  fact,  the  Cowell  tribe  lived  on  the  corner  of  AV^ashington  and 
West  Streets,  and  this  latter  street  ought  to  be  Cowell's  Lane.  In  1708,  it 
was  Cowell's  Corner. 

But  the  "new  garden,"  we  must  insist,  was  that  spot  of  most  historic 
interest,  where  William  Blackstone  resided  before  Boston  existed.  Dunton, 
who  was  here  in  1686,  writes:  "  On  the  South,  there  is  a  small  but  pleasant 
Common,  where  the  Gallants  a  little  before  sunset  walk  with  their  Marmalet 
Madams,  as  we  do  in  Moorfield,  &c,  till  the  Mne-a-Clock  Bell  rings  them 
home ;  after  which  the  Constables  walk  their  Rounds  to  se  good  order  kept, 
and  to  take  up  loose  people." 

Bowditch  has  conclusively  proved  that  Blackstone 's  lot  was  at  the  foot  of 
the  Common,  at  the  corner  of  Beacon  and  Charles  Streets. 

Richard  Pepys  bought  this  lot  of  six  acres,  Jan.  30,  1655,  and  sold  it  to 
!N'athaniel  Williams,  as  appears  by  a  deed  of  Peter  Bracket,  who  married 
Williams's  widow,  conveying  the  lot  to  Williams's  children  (Deeds,  Lib.  9, 
f.  325),  and  also  by  the  following  deposition:  — 

Lib.  26,  f.  84.  Anne  Pollard,  widow,  aged  about  eighty-nine  years,  testi- 
fied, Dec.  26,  1711,  "  That  this  deponent's  husband  Mr  William  Pollard  occu- 
pied and  improved  a  certain  piece  or  parcel  of  land,  scituate  near  the  bottom  of 
the  Common,  at  the  westerly  part  thereof  in  Boston  aforesaid,  and  bounded 
on  the  Sea  south-west,  for  many  years;  and  that  her  said  husband  hired  the 
same  of  Richard  Peepys,  late  of  Boston  aforesaid,  Gent?  deceased,  who  often 
told  this  Deponent,  that  he  the  said  Peepys  bought  the  said  land  of  Mr. 
Blackstone  formerly  of  Boston  aforesaid.  And  further  this  deponent  saith 
that  the  said  Peepys  built  a  house  thereon  wherein  this  deponent  and  her 
husband  dwelt  for  near  fourteen  years,  during  which  time  the  said  Black- 
stone used  frequently  to  Resort  thereto,  and  this  deponent  never  heard  any 
controversy  between  him,  the  said  Blackstone,  and  the  said  Peepys  about  the 
said  land,  but  the  same  was  always  reputed  to  belong  to  him  as  this  deponent 
understood.  And  she  further  says.  That  soon  after  the  sale  thereof,  as  she 
supposeth,  the  said  Blackstone  removed  from  this  town  of  Boston.  And  she 
further  saith  not." 

Bowditch  shows  that  the  Williams  sold,  Jan.  29,  1708-9  (Deeds,  Lib.  24, 


74  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1685. 

then  to  our  House,  then  to  our  Pasture  by  Engs's,  then 
I  waited  on  his  Honour  to  his  Gate  and  so  home.     This 

f.  103),  to  Thomas  Banister,  their  orchard  and  pasture.  He  also  shows  that 
the  next  lot  eastward  belonged  to  Francis  East;  and,  in  1694,  this  lot  meas- 
ured 12  rods  13  feet  on  the  south  line  on  the  Common,  with  Sewall's  land 
east.  East's  lot  "extended  on  Beacon  Street  to  just  about  the  east  line  of 
Spruce  Street,  and  the  west  boundaiy  of  East's  pasture  extended  in  a  bevel- 
ling line  to  Mount  Vernon  Street,  which  street  is  intersected  a  little  west  of 
the  division  line  between  the  two  elegant  mansions  of  Messrs.  John  E.  and 
Nathaniel  Thayer." 

The  Blackstone  lot  ' '  bounds  south  on  Beacon  Street  to  the  original  chan- 
nel, which  was  many  hundred  ihet  west  of  Charles  Street,  or  about  the  lowest 
long  block  of  dwelling-houses  now  [N"ovember,  1855]  completed  on  the  Mill 
Dam.  On  the  east  line  it  extended  along  East's  pasture  and  beyond  it  on 
land  of  Allen  or  Wheelwright,  and  to  within  a  few  feet  of  Pinckney  Street, 
at  a  point  which  is  nearly  in  the  range  of  the  westerly  part  of  the  School 
House  Estate,  at  the  corner  of  Centre  Street.  It  thence  extended  along  in  the 
direction  of  Pinckney  Street  westerly,  so  as  to  include  all  Louisburg  Square, 
till  it  met  a  line  about  50  feet  west  of  the  west  line  of  Louisburg  Square, 
where  it  was  bounded  on  the  pasture  of  Zechariah  Phillips,  on  which  pasture 
it  afterwards  bounded  northerly  by  a  line  running  to  the  water." 

It  is  evident  that  there  was  a  small  projection  of  land  here,  —  "  Black- 
stone's  Point," — the  water  sweeping  in  over  the  Parade  Ground  south,  and 
behind  Beacon  Street  north.  The  orchard,  planted  first  by  Blackstone,  is 
clearly  indicated  on  Bonner's  map;  and,  in  fact,  when  Banister's  heirs  sold, 
in  1733,  the  land  is  said  to  be  "  improved  as  a  garden." 

We  may  presume,  then,  that  Sewall's  walk  was  "  down  the  length  of  the 
Common,"  on  Beacon  Street,  to  Williams's  garden,  and  that  he  returned 
the  same  way;  or,  as  he  writes,  "  then  to  our  house." 

Then  he  starts  on  a  fresh  trip,  —  "  then  to  our  pasture  by  Engs."  As  to 
this  we  are  less  confident.  It  seems  that  Maudit  Ingles,  Engles,  or  Engs, 
evidently  a  foreigner,  was  an  original  grantee  on  Summer  Street,  near  the 
corner  of  High  Street. 

At  a  little  later  date,  Sewall  had  a  lot  here,  and  the  coincidence  is  worth 
noting.  The  record  is  (Deeds,  Lib.  26,  f .  84) :  20  Dec.  1711,  W^  Hickin- 
botham,  of  Boston,  Knacker,  and  wife  Anna,  widow  of  Samuel  Engs,  sell  to 
James  Marshall,  a  house  and  land  in  Summer  street,  bounded  south  on  said 
street  17  feet  north  on  other  land  of  Engs'  heirs  29^  feet;  east  by  a  passage 
way  between  land  of  Engs  and  land  of  Capt.  Samuel  Sewall,  Esqre,  102  feet; 
west  on  land  of  said  Engs. 

"  Then  I  waited  on  his  Honour  to  his  gate  and  so  home,"  says  Sewall. 
We  find  no  record  of  Governor  Bradstreet's  home.  He  was  then  living  with 
his  second  wife,  Anne,  daughter  of  Emmanuel  Downing,  and  widow  of  Jo- 
seph (jardner  of  Salem.  He  had  made  an  antenuptial  settlement  of  her 
estate ;  and  from  a  remark  he  makes  in  his  will  about  the  small  amount  of 


1685.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  75 

day  our  old  Ked  Cow  is  kill'd,  and  we  have  a  new  black 
one  brought  in  the  room,  of  about  four  years  old  and  bet- 
ter, marked  with  a  Cross  and  slit  in  the  Left  Ear,  and  a 
Cross  oif  the  right  Ear,  with  a  little  hollowing  in.  As 
came  with  his  Honour  through  Cowell's  Lane,  Sam.  came 
running  and  call'd  out  a  pretty  way  off  and  cried  out  the 
Cow  was  dead  and  by  the  Heels,  meaning  hang'd  up  by 
the  Butcher.  At  which  I  was  much  startled  understand- 
ing him  she  had  been  dead  upon  a  Hill  or  cast  with  her 
heels  upward,  and  so  had  lost  her ;  for  I  was  then  looking 
for  her  and  't  was  unexpected,  Mother  having  partly  bar- 
gained and  the  Butcher  fetcht  her  away  in  the  Night  un- 
known. Had  served  this  family  above  Ten  years,  above 
Nine  since  my  dwelling  in  it. 

Satterday  May  9th,  Brother  Stephen  Sewall  visits  me.  — 
Monday,  May  11th,  1685,  I  accompanied  Mr.  Moodey  to 
Mr.  Eliot's  [the  "  Apostle  to  the  Indians "]  to  persuade 
Mr.  Benjamin  to  go  to  the  Ordination  of  Mr.  Cotton 
Mather,  in  which  I  hope  we  have  prevailed ;  the  men- 
tioning of  it  drew  Tears  from  the  good  Father  so  as  to 
hinder  his  Speech.  The  Father  was  abroad  and  preached 
yesterday.  Visited  Mr.  Dudley  also.  Deacon  Parkes 
dyed  last  night,  and   Goodman  Woodward  of  Dedham, 

household  goods  which  he  had  bought  since  his  marriage,  and  the  want  of 
mention  of  a  house  in  Boston,  we  infer  he  only  hired  a  house  in  town.  The 
only  land  which  he  seems  to  have  owned  was  on  the  north  side  of  Court 
Street,  and  apparently  there  was  no  house  standing  on  it.  This  lot  is  de- 
scribed in  the  following  deed :  — 

Lib.  17,  f.  25,  27.  Jany  23,  1694-5.  Simon  Bradstreet  and  wife  Ann 
sell  to  William  Clarke  a  piece  of  land  in  Prison  Lane,  bounded  south  on  the 
lane,  west  on  land  of  Manasseh  Beck,  north  on  a  pasture  of  Mrs.  Penelope 
Bellingham,  east  on  land  of  John  Dassett.  This  land  was  mortgaged  by 
Sampson  Sheaffe  in  1687  who  surrendered  same. 

But  we  do  find  Bradstreet  taxed,  in  1687  and  1688,  in  division  or  ward 
Xo.  7,  which  went  down  School  and  State  Streets  and  up  Summer  Street. 
We  may  infer  that,  as  he  is  named  next  to  William  Hoare,  he  lived  near  the 
Old  South,  on  Washington  Street  or  on  School  Street.  If  in  either  place, 
Sewall  might  liave  left  him  as  he  came  back  fi'om  the  foot  of  Summer  Street. 
—  Eds. 


76  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1685. 

father  to  the  Minister,  is  dead  within  's  day  or  two. 
At  Mr.  Dudley's  was  Wm.  Hahaton  and  David  Indian, 
who  Acknowledged  the  Papers  I  offered  him  in  Feb.  Court, 
at  Capt.  Paige's,  speaking  English.  —  Tuesday,  May  12th, 
I  weary  myself  in  walking  from  one  end  and  side  of  the 
Town  to  t'other  to  seek  our  lost  Cow.  —  Wednesday,  May 
13,  1685,  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  is  ordained  Pastor  by  his 
Father,  who  said.  My  son  Cotton  Mather,  and  in  's  sermon 
spake  of  Aaron's  Garments  being  put  on  Eleazer,  intimat- 
ing he  knew  not  but  that  God  might  now  call  him  out  of 
the  World.  Mr.  Eliot  gave  the  Eight  Hand  of  Fellowship, 
calling  him  a  Lover  of  Jesus  Christ.  Mr.  Benjamin  Eliot  ^ 
was  there  who  hath  not  been  at  Town  these  many  years. 
^Thorsday  May  14th,  Mr.  Torrey  and  Uncle  Quinsey 
dined  here.  Have  agreed  to  have  a  Fast  here  at  our 
house  next  Friday.  'Twas  first  to  be  on  Tuesday,  but 
altered  it.  I  invited  all  the  Magistrates  :  to  most  writ 
the  following  words  —  "  To  Samuel  Nowell,  Esq  "  Sir  — 
The  Ministers  of  this  Town  are  desired  to  Pray  and  Preach 
at  my  House  next  Friday,  to  begin  about  half  an  hour 
past  Nine  ;  which  I  acquaint  you  with  that  so  yourself  and 
Wife  may  have  the  opportunity  of  being  present.  Sam. 
Sewall.     May  18.  1685." 

.  Tuesday  May  19th.  1685  went  to  Roxbury  Lecture,  in- 
vited Mr.  Eliot  and  his  Son  to  be  wdth  us  on  Friday  next. 
When  I  come  home  I  find  Hullie  extream  ill  having  had 
two  Convulsion  Fits,  one  of  them  very  long :  the  Child  is 
much  changed.  —  Friday  May  22d.  1685,  had  a  private 
Fast :  the  Magistrates  of  this  town  with  their  Wives  here. 
Mr.  Eliot  prayed,  Mr.  Willard  preached.  I  am  afraid  of 
Thy  judgments  —  Text  Mother  gave.  Mr.  Allen  prayed  ; 
cessation  half  an  hour.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  prayed  ;  Mr. 
Mather  preached  Ps.  79,  9.  Mr.  Moodey  prayed  about  an 
hour  and  haK ;  Sung  the  79th  Psalm  from  the  8th  to  the 

1  He  was  the  assistant  of  his  father  in  the  chiu'ch  at  Roxbury,  and  died 
in  1687,  his  father  surviving  him.  — Eds. 


1685.] 


DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL. 


77 


End :  distributed  some  Biskets,  and  Beer,  Cider,  Wine. 
The  Lord  hear  in  Heaven  his  dwelling  place.  —  Satterday 
May  23d,  morn.  Thunder  and  Lightening.  Saturday  5 
p.m.  Mr.  Wharton  and  Saffin  offered  me  an  Address, 
which  I  saw  not  cause  to  sign.  Governour  had  signed, 
J.  Winthrop,  Capt.  Fones  and  some  others  interested  in 
the  Narraganset  Lands.  Mr.  Lynde,  Mr.  Smith  (Nar.) 
and  Mr.  Brindley  were  by  at  the  same  time.  Sabbath  May 
24th,  we  read  the  ninety-seventh  Psalm  in  Course  :  Mr. 
Francis  Bond  at  our  House. —  Tuesday  May  26th,  1685, 
Mary  Kay  comes  hither  to  dwell  in  Hannah  Hett's  stead, 
who  is  upon  Marriage.  —  Wednesday,  May  27th,  1685, 
Election  day,  being  very  fair  Wether  all  day.  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Adams  preaches  from  Isa.  66,  2.  Capt.  Blackwell 
and  Mr.  Bond  dine  with  us :  Mr.  Philips  craves  a  Blessing 
and  returns  Thanks,  in  which  mentions  the  Testimony  of 
Jesus,  that  God  would  make  us  faithfull  in  it.  Governour 
chosen  without  counting  ;  Mr.  No  well  (I  think)  came  next. 
Mr.  Danforth  Deputy  Governour  clear.     Assistants,^ 


Esqrs. 

Esqrs. 

D.  Gookin 

1312 

P.  Tilton 

1234 

J.  Pynchon 

1257 

S.  Appleton 

1200 

Wm.  Stoughton 

757 

R.  Pike 

1168 

J.  Dudley 

694 

Ehsha  Cooke 

1067 

N.  Saltonstall 

1080 

Wm.  Johnson 

932 

H.  Davie 

1131 

John  Hathorn 

1031 

J.  Richards 

1267 

Elisha  Hutchinson  777 

S.  Nowell 

1257 

S.  Sewall 

1065 

J.  Russell 

1263 

Oliver  Purchas 

683 

Commissioners  United  Colonies 

Reserves 

Mr.  Stoughton 

307 

Mr.  Danforth 

Mr.  Nowell 

485 

Mr.  Dudley. 

1  As  Sewall  has  preserved  some  lists  of  the  votes  for  magistrates,  it  may 
be  well  to  note  that  the  list  for  1683  is  printed  in  the  Hutchinson  Collection, 
p.  541.— Eds. 


78  DIAEY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1685. 

Persons  left  out  this  year 

Mr.  Bulkeley        667 1  -i    ,  -r    ^. 

HT     TTT     11    .  -.       r--^  Mil  l9.8t  year —   In  the  room  now 

Mr.  Woodbndge  5d9  J  *^ 

Mr.  Dudley,  Oliver  Purchas.  Mr.  Brown  had  votes  398, 
Mr.  Gedney  598,  John  Smith  608,  Dan.l  Pierce  471.  Ma- 
jor General  and  Treasurer,  no  telling ;  Mr.  Addington  had 
a  great  many  Votes  for  Secretary.  My  dear  child  Hull 
had  a  Convulsion  Fit  in  Lecture  Time.  Mr.  Adams,  prayed 
after  the  Election  over.  The  Governour,  Deputy  Gov- 
ernour  and  about  nine  Assistants  sworn,  of  which  myself 
one :   Court  adjourned  till  Thorsday  8  of  the  clock. 

Thorsday  about  noon,  one  Jonathan  Gardner  of  Roxbury 
commits  Bestiality  with  a  mare ;  he  is  sent  to  Prison,  but  one 
Witness.  Hull  hath  two  Convulsion  Fits  which  bring  him 
extreme  low  ;  Mr.  Philips  prays  with  us.  —  Friday,  May 
29th.  Mr.  Nowell  and  I  go  to  Mr.  Stoughton  and  Dudley 
to  acquaint  them  with  the  Freeman's  Choice  of  them,  in 
the  Court's  Name,  and  to  desire  them  to  come  and  take 
their  Oaths :  I  doubt  Mr.  Bulkeley's  being  left  out  will 
make  them  decline  it.  Mr.  Eliot  was  ill  and  not  at  this 
Election,  whicJi  knew  nothing  of  till  Mr.  Philips  told  me 
the  last  night. 

Monday  June  1, 1685.  Artillery  Election  day ;  Eliakim 
sets  out  to  see  his  mother  at  N.  Hampton,  Connecticot.  I 
Train  not.  Mr.  John  Phillips  is  chosen  Captain.  Capt. 
Hill  Lieutenant,  Mr.  Benj.  Alford  Ensign,  Henry  Deving 
eldest  Sergeant,  Crick  second,  Seth  Penn  third,  Sam.  Chickly 
fourth,  Roby,  Clark.  The  46th  Psalm  sung  at  Mr.  Wing's, 
from  the  6th  verse  to  the  end.  About  3  of  the  clock  in 
the  Afternoon  this  day.  Cousin  Anne  Quinsey  is  brought  to 
bed  of  a  Daughter.  June  2,  1685.  In  the  Afternoon  Mr. 
Stoughton  and  Dudley  come  and  confer  with  the  Council 
thanking  them  for  their  respect  in  acquainting  them  with 
their  choice,  and  to  say  they  were  not  of  another  mind  as 
to  the  Substance  than  formerly,  relating  to  the  great  Con- 
cerns of  the  Country,  lest  any  might  be  deceived  in  desir- 


1685.]  DIAIiY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  79 

ing  them  to  take  their  Oaths.  Also  that  if  things  went 
otherwise  than  well  in  that  great  Trial  [we]  were  like 
shortly  to  have,  all  the  blame  would  be  laid  upon  them. 
Said,  supposed  things  would  be  so  clear  when  the  day 
came  as  that  [there]  would  be  a  greater  unanimity  what 
to  do  than  now  was  thought  of.  Deputy  Governours  Cloud 
and  Pillar.  Seemed,  through  the  importunity  of  friends. 
Ministers  and  others  to  incline  to  take  the  oath.^  Take 
leave.  When  gone  Deputy  Governour  relates  a  saying  of 
his  Wife.  —  June  3,  very  seasonable  Kain.  Wednesday 
June  3d,  '85,  at  night  very  considerable  Thunder  and 
Rain.  In  somniis  visum  est  mihi,  me  rediisse  JSFovohiirgo 
vel  alio  cdiquo  oppido  ;  et  me  ahsente,  uxorem  mortiiam 
esse  Hoxhurice  vel  Dorcestrice  ;  quam  narrationem  ceger- 
rime  tuli  JSfomen  scepius  exclamans.  Dum,  percontarer 
ubi  esset  socer  dixerunt  eum  in  Angliam  profecturum  ; 
Filla  scilicet  mortud  liherum  esse  ei  iit  iter  facer  et  quo 
vellet.  Hanc  mortem  partim  ex  incuria  mea  et  Amoris 
indigentia  accidisse,  Elizabetha  susurravit  quod  adhuc  me 
gravius  pressit.  Excusso  somno  pro  gaudio  uxorem  quasi 
nuper  nuptam  amplexus  sum. 

To  the  Kings  Most  Excellent  Majestie. 

The  Humble  Address  of  the  Governor  and  Company  of  the  Massachusets 
Bay  in  New  England  Assembled  m  Generall  Court  at  Boston,  28th 
January  1684-5,  Showeth, 

That  your  Majesties  poor  and  distressed  Subjects  of  this  Colonie 
have  been  long  since  transported  and  planted  here  under  the  most 
Gracious  and  Princely  Encouragement  of  your  Majesties  Roy  all 
Ancestours  of  Blessed  Memory :  and  since  your  Majesties  happy 
Restauration,  have  had  many  Gracious  Intimations  of  your  Majesties 
Favourable  regard  and  Inclination  towards  us,  and  our  good  Settle- 
ment and  Security  here,  for  which  wee  renew  to  Almighty  God  and 
your  Majesty  most  humble  Thankes,  as  wee  ought  alwayes. 


1  These  are  intimations  of  the  anxieties  and  misgivings,  and  of  the  differ- 
ences, even  alienations  of  feeling,  of  some  of  the  old  magistrates  consequent 
on  the  unsettled  state  of  the  Government.  —  Eds. 


80  DIAEY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1685. 

That  since  it  hath  pleased  your  Majesty  to  proceed  in  Law  against 
the  Charter  of  this  your  Majesties  Province  in  order  to  the  vacating 
thereof  upon  the  Scire  facias  late  brought  against  us  in  the  Chan- 
cery, of  which  wee  never  had  any  legall  notice  for  our  Appearance 
and  making  Answer :  Neither  was  it  possible  in  the  time  allotted 
that  wee  could.  Had  wee  had  opportunity  it  would  have  been  easie 
to  demonstrate  our  Innocency  in  what  is  objected  against  us.  And 
wee  hope  that  heavy  charge  is  beyond  belief e,  that  wee  have  raised 
£50,000  pr  A?i7ium,  converting  it  to  our  own  use.  Inasmuch  as  the 
ordinary  Charge  for  the  necessary  Support  of  the  Government  doth 
not  amount  to  £1200  a  year :  nor  was  there  ever  more  raised  on  that 
Account.  And  wee  most  humbly  beseech  your  Majestic  to  allow  us 
sincerely  to  profess  that  not  one  of  the  Articles  therein  objected 
were  intended,  much  less  continued  to  be  done,  in  .Derogation  of 
your  Majesties  Royall  Prerogative,  or  to  the  Oppression  of  your 
Subjects. 

It  is  matter  of  great  grief  and  Sorrow  to  our  hearts  that  by  being 
misrepresented  as  disloyall  and  disobedient  Subjects,  wee  are  fallen 
under  your  Majesties  Displeasure  ;  wee  implore  your  Majesties 
Favour,  and  humbly  entreat  that  our  great  distance  from  your 
Majesties  Royall  Court,  our  poverty  and  many  evill  circumstances 
may  be  so  graciously  considered  as  that,  of  your  Sovereigne  Grace 
you  would  please  to  grant  a  Pardon  and  Amnesty  of  all  our  Errors, 
and  the  Continuation  of  our  Liberties  and  Immunities  granted  in  our 
Charter,  under  the  Security  of  which  our  Worthy  Predecessors 
undertook  so  great  an  Adventure,  and  left  their  Dear  and  Native 
Land  and  very  desirable  Enjoyments  there,  that  so  they  might  gain 
an  inoffensive  Retirement  to  Worship  God  according  to  the  dictates 
of  their  Conscience  warranted  by  the  Word  of  God,  which  wee  also 
account  more  precious  than  all  our  outward  Concerns,  the  Continu- 
ance of  which  will  erect  for  your  Majestic  a  lasting  Monument  of 
Praise  and  Thanksgiving  in  the  hearts  of  the  present  and  succeeding 
Generations. 

Wee  humbly  take  leave  to  add,  that  notwithstanding  the  many 
ill  Representations  and  Informations  that  ly  against  us,  wee  are  true 
Lovers  of  your  Majesties  Person  and  of  the  English  Government, 
and  do  render  unfeigned  thanks  to  Almighty  God  for  your  most 
happy  and  miraculous  Preservation  hitherto,  and  shall  not  be  want- 
ing to  doe  our  utmost  endeavour  to  promote  your  Majestic  peaceable 
and  prosperous  Reigne  for  which  also  as  in  duty  bound  wee  shall 
ever  pray. 


1685.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  81 

[CopiE.]  Letter  to  Mr.  Humphreys, 

Mr.  Humphreys  : 
Worthy  Sir,  —  Although  we  have  received  no  particular  informa- 
tion from  yourself e  concerning  our  Affairs,  yet  being  by  rumour 
informed  that  our  Charter  is  condemned  and  Judgement  entered  up 
against  us,  our  General  Court  have  agreed  upon  this  inclosed  Address 
to  be  presented  to  his  Majestic,  and  do  request  your  Assistance  for 
its  speedy  Presentation.  How  far  wee  are  indebted  to  yourself  wee 
know  not  till  wee  hear  from  you ;  Wee  would  willingly  discharge 
our  debts  while  wee  have  it,  especially  to  yourself,  to  whom  for  your 
friendship  as  well  as  service,  wee  are  deeply  indebted.  Our  Treas- 
urer hath  given  order  to  Mr.  John  Ives  to  be  making  payment  of  our 
debt  in  part  as  far  as  our  effects  will  goe  ;  And  the  General  Court 
do  hereby  with  all  thankfulness  acknowledge  their  obligations  to 
yourselfe  and  those  honored  and  worthy  Gentlemen  who  are  of 
Council  for  us,  still  requesting  of  [you]  and  them  that  by  the  first 
opportunity  wee  may  be  informed  from  yourselfe  what  may  be  need- 
ful for  us  to  doe  under  our  present  circumstances,  as  also  what  is  past 
concerning  us ;  not  to  give  you  further  trouble  at  present  remain, 
your  assured  Loving  friends, 

Edward  Rawsox,  Secretary 
in  the  name  and  by  the  order  of  the  General  Court.^ 

1685.  Thorsday,  June  4th,  Mr.  Mather  preaches  from 
Isa.  14.  32.  Doct.  The  Church  of  God  shall  stand  and 
abide  for  ever.  Probable  that  N.  E.  Church  shall  doe  so. 
The  87th.  Psalm  sung.  Mr.  Stoughton  and  Dudley  dine 
with  us.  Mr.  Stoughton  inclines  to  take  his  Oath ;  Mr. 
Mather,  Capt.  Scottow  and  Capt.  Gidney  dine  with  us 
likewise.     This  day  the  Chancery  Bill  is  passed. 

Monday,  June  8th.  8  Companies  Train :  in  the  morn, 
between  7  and  8  o'clock.  Asaph  Eliot  comes  in  and  tells 
me  a  Rumor  in  the  Town  of  the  New  Governour  being 
come  to  New  York,  and  the  certain  News,  doleful  news  of 
Mr.  Shepard  of  Charlestown,  his  being  dead,  of  whoes  ill- 
ness I  heard  nothing  at  all.  Saw  him  very  well  this  day 
sennight ;  was  much  smitten  with  the  News.     Was  taken 

1  This  address  and  letter  are  printed  in  Col.  Rec,  V.  466,  468.  — Eds. 


82  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1685. 

on  Friday  night,  yet  being  to  preach  and  administer  the 
Lord's  Supper  on  Sabbath  day,  forbore  Physick,  at  least  at 
first.  This  day  Mr.  Stoughton  and  Dudley  come  in,  and 
in  their  places  at  Court  in  the  afternoon,  take  their  Oaths. 
N[ote].  Charlestown  was  to  have  had  a  great  bussle  in 
Training  on  Tuesday  with  Horse  and  Foot,  Capt.  Ham- 
mond engaging  some  of  Boston  to  be  there  ;  but  now  'tis 
like  to  be  turned  into  the  Funeral  of  their  Pastor  :  he 
dying  full  and  corpulent.  Mr.  Bayly,  Sen'r  dined  with 
us  at  Mr.  Pain's.  The  reverend  Mr.  Thos.  Shepard  was 
ordained  May  5,  1680  by  Mr.  Sherman,  Mr.  Oakes  giving 
the  Right  Hand  of  Fellowship.  Mr.  Sh.'s  Text  Heb.  13. 
20  —  That  great  Shepherd  of  the  Sheep. 

On  the  Sabbath  June  7'.^  '85,  Cous.  Quinsey  had  his 
Daughter  Anne  baptized. 

Tuesday,  June  9*.^  The  Reverend  Mr.  Tho'  Shepard 
buried :  Governour,  Deputy  Governour  and  Magistrates 
there.  Mr.  Bulkely  dined  with  us  and  was  there. 
Bearers,  Mr.  Mather,  Mr.  Simes,  Mr.  Willard,  Mr.  Hub- 
bard of  Cambridge,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Gookin,  Mr.  Cotton 
Mather  :  the  two  last  preached  at  Charlestown  the  last 
Sabbath  day.  It  seems  there  were  some  Verses ;  but 
none  pinned  on  the  Herse.  Scholars  went  before  the 
Herse.  A  pretty  number  of  Troopers  there.  Capt. 
Blackwell  and  Counsellor  Bond  there. 

Tuesday,  June  9*.^  1685.  GovT  Edw.  Cranfield  sails  away 
in  his  Sloop  from  Portsmouth.  It  is  like  is  gone  to  Bar- 
bados.    Teste  Petr.  Weave. 

Thorsday  Even,  June  1 1*^  Brother  Steven  Sewall  lodges 
here  :  hath  been  extream  ill. 

Satterday,  June  13*^  Capt.  Benj°  Gillam  buried.  Govf 
Bradstreet's  Effigies  hung  up  in  his  best  Room  this  day. 

Wednesday,  June  17^.^  a  Quaker  or  two  goe  to  the  Gover- 
nour and  ask  leave  to  enclose  the  Ground  [on  the  Com- 
mon] the  Hanged  Quakers  are  buried  in  under  or  near 
the  Gallows,  with  Pales:   Governour  proposed  it  to  the 


1685.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  83 

Council,  who  unanimously  denyed  it  as  very  inconvenient 
for  persons  so  dead  and  buried  in  the  place  to  have  any 
Monument. 

Thorsday,  June  18.  A  Quaker  comes  to  the  Governour 
and  speaks  of  a  Message  he  had  which  was  to  shew  the 
great  Calamities  of  Fire  and  Sword  that  would  suddenly 
come  on  New-England.  Would  fain  have  spoken  in  the 
Meetinghouse,  but  was  prevented.  Eliakim  comes  home 
this  day,  brings  word  that  Capt.  Henchman  is  coming 
away  from  Worcester  with  his  Family. 

Noyes  this  day  of  a  French  Pirat  on  the  Coast,  of  36 
Guns. 

Satterday,  June  20*^  1685.  The  Court  not  agreeing 
about  the  Proviso  in  the  end  of  the  2^  Section  of  the  Law, 
title  Courts,  adjourns  till  Tuesday  July  7*.^  except  Occa- 
sion be,  and  then  the  Governour  is  to  call  them  sooner. 
Also  the  Dep*  Governour  goes  to  keep  Court  at  York  next 
week  with  Mr.  Nowel,  and  several  other  Magistrates  will 
go  out  of  Town.  The  final  difference  between  the  Magis- 
trates and  Deputies  is :  The  Governour  and  several  with 
him  would  Kepeal  the  Proviso,  letting  the  rest  of  the  Law 
stand  as  it  does  ;  the  Deputies  have  voted  the  Repeal  of 
the  Proviso  ;  and  withall  that  the  Remainder  of  the  Law 
have  this  alteration,  viz  :  in  stead  of  greater  part  of  the 
Magistrates,  —  greater  number  of  the  Magistrates  present 
—  so  to  make  the  Law  new  as  [it]  might  be  construed 
contrary  to  the  Charter :  the  Governour,  Mr.  Stoughton, 
Dudley  and  several  others  could  not  consent. 

Voted,  the  16*.^  of  July  to  be  observed  as  a  Fast. 

Satterday,  P.  M.  Carried  my  Wife  to  Dorchester  to  eat 
Cherries,  Rasberries,  chiefly  to  ride  and  take  the  Air :  the 
Time  my  Wife  and  Mrs.  Flint  spent  in  the  Orchard,  I  spent 
in  Mr.  Flint's  Study,  reading  Calvin  on  the  Psalms  &c.  45. 
68.  24. 

Sabbath,  June  21, 1685.  Mr.  Solomon  Stoddard  preaches 
in  the  Afternoon  from  Gal.  5.  17.  shewing  that  there  is  a 


84  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1685. 

principle  of  Godliness  in  every  true  Believer ;  and  how  it 
differs  from  Moral  Yertue,  &c.  Some  little  disturbance  by 
a  Quaker  about  the  time  of  Baptism. 

Wednesday,  June  24,  1685.  Carried  my  Wife  to  Cam- 
bridge-Lecture ;  Mr.  Willard  preached  from  those  words, 
He  that  knows  and  does  not  his  Master's  will,  shall  be 
beaten  with  many  Stripes.  Dined  with  Mr.  Nathaniel 
Gookin. 

June  25.  Mr.  Russel  of  Hadley  preacheth  the  Lecture 
from  Zech.  7.  5.  Did  ye  at  all  fast  unto  me,  even  to 
me? 

Publick  Fast,  By  the  Governour  and  Company  of  the 
Massachusetts  Bay  in  N.  E.  at  a  Gen^  Court  held  at  Boston 
May  27.  1685. 

This  Court  having  taken  into  their  serious  consideration, 
that  in  respect  of  afflictive  Sicknesses  in  many  Places,  and 
some  Threatenings  of  Scarcity  as  to  our  necessary  food, 
and  upon  other  Accounts  also,  we  are  under  solemn  Frowns 
of  the  Divine  Providence  ;  being  likewise  sensible,  that  the 
People  of  God  in  other  parts  of  the  World  are  in  a  low 
Estate, 

Do  therefore  appoint  the  Sixteenth  day  of  July  next, 
to  be  set  apart  as  a  Day  of  publick  Humiliation  by  Fast- 
ing and  Prayer  throughout  this  Colony,  exhorting  all  who 
are  the  Lord's  Remembrancers,  to  give  Him  no  rest,  till 
Isai.  62.  7.  He  establish  and  make  Jerusalem  a  Praise  in 
the  Earth  :  And  do  hereby  prohibit  the  Inhabitants  of  this 
Jurisdiction  all  servile  Labour  upon  the  said  Day. 

By  the  Court,  Edward  Rawson  Secretary.  Copyed  out 
of  the  Print. 

June  25*.^  A  Ship  comes  in  to  Marble  head,  and  brings 
news  of  the  King's  Coronation. 

June  26.  Mr.  Jn°  Cotton,  and  Mr.  Solomon  Stoddard 
dine  here. 

Satterday,  June  27^^  It  pleaseth  God  to  send  Rain  on 
the  weary  dusty  Earth. 


1(585.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  85 

Wednesday,  July  1,  1685.  Commencement  day ;  Peter 
Butler  comes  in  from  London,  brings  news  of  the  King's 
Coronation,  Sermon  and  Formalities,  with  a  Letter  from 
Mr.  Humfryes,  and  a  Copy  of  the  Judgement  entered  up 
against  us  that  [is]  about  145  pages,  cost  5^1"  10.  having 
Pengry's  Rec*  upon  an  outside  Leafe. 

Cous.  Nath.  Dumer  is  brought  by  Cous.  Jer.  to  our 
House  this  day,  he  came  in  Mr.  Butler  who  came  in  Late 
Last  Night ;  so  came  not  ashoar  till  this  morn.  Goes  to 
the  Commencement  w^th  Eliakim.  Besides  Disputes  there, 
are  four  orations.  One  Latin  by  Mr.  Dudley ;  and  two 
Greek,  one  Hebrew  by  Nath  Mather,  and  Mr.  President 
after  giving  the  Degrees  made  an  Oration,  in  Praise  of 
Academical  Studies  and  Degrees,  Hebrew  Tongue  :  Mr, 
CoUins,  Shepard,  &c.  Dept.  Governour  and  Mr.  Nowell 
absent ;  not  returned  from  keeping  Court  in  the  Prov- 
ince of  Mayn.  Governour  there,  whom  I  accompanied  by 
Charlestown.  After  Diner  the  3"!  part  of  the  103  Psalm 
was  sung  in  the  Hall. 

Thorsday,  July  2^  1685.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  preaches 
from  2.  Cor.  5.  5.  In's  Father's  Turn,  who  keeps  at 
Cambridge. 

After  the  County  Court  is  over,  is  a  Conference  at  his 
Honours ;  present  the  Governour,  Mr.  Stoughton,  Dudley, 
Richards,  Sewall,  Mr.  Torrey,  Brinsmead,  Willard,  Adams. 
Were  unanimous  as  to  what  discoursed  relating  to  our 
Circumstances,  the  Charter  being  Condemned.  Every 
one  spake. 

Satterday,  July  4*.!"  1685.  Little  Hull  hath  a  Convulsion 
Fit :  it  took  him  sleeping  in  the  Cradle  after  Diner. 

I  was  taken  ill  myself  very  feverish  so  as  feared  the 
Fevei  and  Ague,  took  some  Cardnus  Drink  at  night, 
Sweat  pretty  well,  and  so  it  went  off,  blessed  be  God. 

Satterday,  about  4  mane  Isaac  Woode  dyes  pretty  sud- 
denly :  for  was  abroad  the  day  before  tho'  had  been  not 
well  a  14  night. 


86  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1685. 

Monday,  July  6^^  I  am  taken  with  a  Feverish  Fit ;  yet 
go  to  Court  in  the  Afternoon,  the  County  Court,  where 
was  read  Major  Pynchon's  Letter  to  the  Council ;  which 
is  that  5  Men  came  to  one  of  the  Houses  of  Westfield  (I 
think)  about  midnight  28*.^  June,  knockt  at  the  door,  the 
Man  bid  him  come  in,  so  in  they  came  all  Armed  with 
drawn  Swords,  and  threatened  to  run  the  man  and  his  wife 
through  if  they  stirred  :  so  plundered  that  House,  and 
another  in  like  manner :  told  they  had  60  Men  in  their 
Company  and  that  if  they  stirred  out  of  door,  they  would 
kill  them ;  so  stayd  in  a  great  part  of  Monday,  then  when 
thought  the  Coast  was  clear  told  the  Neighbours  and  some 
were  sent  to  Search  after  them  ;  at  last  found  them :  one 
of  the  5  snapt  and  missed  fire,  another  shot,  then  one  of 
ours  shot  so  as  to  shoot  one  of  theirs  dead :  another  of 
the  5  fought  one  of  ours  with  his  sword,  till  another  of 
ours  knockt  him  down.  One  or  two  that  were  taken  are 
brought  to  Boston,  one  at  least  is  escaped.  Major  Pynchon 
his  Works  will  cost  near  an  hundred  Pounds. 

An  Indian  was  branded  in  Court  and  had  a  piece  of  his 
Ear  cut  off  for  Burglary. 

Tuesday,  July  7*^  Brother  Moody  visits  us.  General 
Court  sits  in  the  Afternoon.  Time  is  spent  in  ordering  a 
Drum  to  beat  up  for  Volunteers  about  30.  Samson  Waters, 
Capt.,  to  go  with  Mr.  Patteshal's  Brigenteen  to  fetch  in 
two  Privateers  that  this  morn  are  said  to  be  in  the  Bay,  a 
Sloop  and  Shalop,  in  the  Shalop,  Graham.^ 

Wednesday  I  take  a  Vomit,  after  12  Sweat  much,  when 
cold  fit  past.  Mr.  Stoughton  and  Dudley  visit  me  and 
Mr.  Secretary.     Thorsday  morn  take  Cortex  Peruvianus 

1  The  Col.  Records,  V.  488,  489,  show  that  this  fright  was  caused  by  the 
pirates  Yeal  and  Graham.  A  drum  was  beat  for  volunteers,  not  exceeding 
forty,  for  manning  Mr.  Richard  Patteshall's  brigantine,  and  they  were  to 
meet  at  Mr.  John  Yyall's,  at  the  Ship  Tavern.  By  the  next  order,  the  Court 
decreed,  that,  as  men  did  not  readily  enlist,  "  free  plunder  be  offered  to  such 
as  shall  voluntarily  lyst  themselves,  or  that  a  sufficient  number  of  men  be 
forthwith  impressed  to  that  service."  —  Eds. 


1G85.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  87 

in  a  glass  of  Wine.  Marshal  Gen-  comes  to  speak  with  me, 
being  sent  to  call  me  to  Court  because  all  the  Magistrates 
might  be  together  to  give  their  sence  what  to  do  when 
Col.  Kirk  comes,  and  how  to  receive  him.  Brother  and 
Sister  Gerrish  lodged  here  last  night.  I  had  very  little 
sleep.     Brother  and  Sister  Gerrish  Lodged  here. 

Now  about  News  comes  to  Town  that  Panama  is  taken 
by  one  Banister  an  English  Man  ;  and  that  by  the  help 
of  the  Natives  he  intends  to  hold  it. 

Friday,  July  10*.^  I  take  another  dos  of  the  Cortex: 
my  Fit  stayes  away.  Brother  and  Sister  Gerrish  go  home. 
Between  2  and  3.  P.  M.  as  Mr.  Fisk  and  Mr.  Wyllys 
were  talking  with  me,  it  grew  darkish,  thundered,  and  a 
very  sudden,  violent  storm  of  Rain,  Wind  and  Hail  arose 
which  beat  so  upon  the  Glass  and  partly  broke  it,  as  star- 
tled us.  The  Window  of  Mothers  Bed-Chamber  next  the 
Street  hath  many  Quarrels  broken  in  it,  all  over,  except 
the  sidelong  Pane  next  the  Shop.  We  were  speaking 
about  Col.  Kirk's  coming  over.^ 

Mr.  Stoughton  visits  me  and  tells  of  the  Court's  Ad- 
journment till  next  Tuesday  Senight  and  then  the  Elders 
to  meet  them  and  advise.^  Mr.  Dudley  and  Mr.  Bullivant 
visit  me  at  the  same  time.  Mr.  Stoughton  also  told  me 
of  George  Car's  Wife  being  with  child  by  another  Man, 
tells  the  Father,  Major  Pike  sends  her  down  to  Prison. 
Is  the  Governour's  Grandchild  by  his  daughter  Cotton. 

One  Yicars  drowned,  the  boat  he  was  in  being  sunk  in 
the  Harbour  by  the  Gust ;  our  Washer's  Son. 


1  The  ever  infamous  Colonel  Piercy  Kirk,  already  known  as  employed  at 
Tangier,  was  designated  by  James  II.  as  governor  of  the  colony.  Palfrey 
writes  (III.  395),  "  that  campaign  in  the  West  of  England  had  not  yet  taken 
place,  which  has  made  the  name  of  Kirk  immortal ;  but  fame  enough  had 
gone  abroad  of  his  brutal  character  to  make  his  advent  an  anticipation  of 
horror  to  those  whom  he  was  to  govern."  But  Massachusetts  was  spared  the 
infliction.  —  Eds. 

2  This  conference  with  the  Elders  of  the  several  towns  was  a  matter  of 
tormal  vote.     Col.  Rec. ,  V.  492.  —  Eds. 


88  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1685. 

Jn°  Balston  arrives  ;  when  was  below,  was  some  rumor 
that  the  Governour  was  come.  July  lO*.!"  '85,  brings  news 
the  Parliament  had  sate,  and  were  adjourned  for  a  day  or 
two.  Dr.  Gates  has  been  whipt  and  set  in  the  Pillory. 
Was  set  in  the  Pillory  before  the  Exchange,  May  19,  the 
day  of  the  Parliament  Sitting :  'Tis  for  Perjury. 

Sabbath-day,  July  5.  Mr.  Sherman  the  Father  is  taken 
delirious  in  Sudbury  Pulpit ;  so  fain  to  be  born  away  ;  is 
now  sick  of  the  Fever  and  Ague.  Grders  go  out  to  Towns 
that  have  not  sent,  to  send  a  Deputy  or  Deputies  at  their 
peril  against  the  21.  Instant,  and  the  Elder  w^arned  also 
to  appear ;  I  read  the  paper  to  Watertown.  The  Depu- 
ties that  were  present  on  Friday,  are  to  warn  the  respect- 
ive Elders. 

Wednesday,  P.  M.,  July  15.  Very  dark,  and  great 
Thunder  and  Lightening. 

Gne  Humphry  Tiffiny  and  Frances  Low,  Daughter  of 
Antony  Low,  are  slain  with  the  Lightening  and  Thunder 
about  a  mile  or  half  a  mile  beyond  Billinges  Farm,  the 
Horse  also  slain,  that  they  rode  on,  and  another  Horse  in 
Company  slain,  and  his  Rider  who  held  the  Garment  on 
the  Maid  to  steady  it  at  the  time  of  the  Stroke,  a  coat  or 
cloak,  stounded,  but  not  killed.  Were  coming  to  Boston. 
Antony  Low  being  in  Town  the  sad  Bill  was  put  up  with 
[regard]  of  that  Solemn  judgment  of  God ;  Fast-day  Fore- 
noon.    July  15,  1685.     2  Persons,  2  Horses. 

July  17.    Mr.  Allin  makes  me  an  Issue  in  my  left  Arm. 

July  19*.^  By  accident  the  Spear  was  not  sent  on  Sat- 
terday,  but  this  night ;  I  not  being  very  throughly  re- 
covered, Mr.  Goose  Watches  accompanied  by  Sam.  Clark, 
and  Cous.  Nath.  Dumer.  This  Sabbathday  Mrs.  Sarah 
Noyes's  House  broken  up  in  time  of  Afternoon-Exercise ; 
and  Money  Stolen ;  Ens.  Pecker's  the  Sabbath  before. 

A  Bristow-Man  comes  in  this  day,  and  fires  five  Guns 
at  the  Castle,  which  a  little  startles  us. 

Tuesday  July  21.     Cous.  Nath.  Dumer  goes  to  Salera 


1685.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  89 

in  order  to  pass  to  Newbury  next  day,  Brother  Stephen 
coming  for  him. 

This  day  about  31  Ministers  meet,  Mr.  Higginson 
Prayes  excellently  :  Governour  gives  the  Question.  Dine 
all  together  at  Monk's.^  After  Diner  about  3  or  4  aclock, 
they  give  their  Answere,  i.e.  Mr.  Hubbard  Speaks  in  behalf 
of  the  rest,  that  their  Opinion  was  the  Government  ought 
not  to  give  way  to  another  till  the  Generall  Court  had 
seen  and  judged  of  the  Comission  ;  so  should  be  called  if 
not  Sitting  at  the  Arrival  of  a  Comissioned  Governour. 
But  several  expressed  some  Dissent :  And  after,  shewed 
themselves  extreamly  dissatisfied,  saying  that  Mr.  Hub- 
bard had  greatly  abused  them  and  that  he  was  not  ordered 
by  the  Ministers  that  they  knew  to  speak  their  minds, 
which  six  gave  in  under  their  Hands.  The  Meeting  has 
been  uncomfortable,  and  I  doubt  will  breed  great  Ani- 
mosities. 

Thorsday  23"?  July.  Five  Ministers  gave  under  their 
Hands  that  Mr.  Hubbard  was  apointed  by  the  Ministers 
to  deliver  their  mind,  and  that  [he]  had  delivered  it  right. 
First  five  were,  Mr.  Jn?  Higginson,  Sam.  Chiever,  Joseph 
Estabrooks,  Nicholas  Noyes,  Tho.  Barnard. 

The  Governour  goes  from  Lecture  sick  of  a  Cold,  and 
dines  not  with  us,  nor  comes  to  Court.  Col.  Pye  dines 
with  us,  who  comes  hether  by  Land  from  Mary-Land. 

Friday,  July  24.  Governour  not  abroad,  very  sharp 
debates  about  submission  &c.  upon  a  Governour's  Arrival, 
occasioned  by  a  vote  from  the  Deputies  to  the  purpose 
that  the  Court  be  Adjourned  till  3^  Wednesday  in  August 
except  some  demand  of  the  Government  from  His  Majes- 
tic be  made  before,  then  that  effectual  Order  be  taken  for 
convening  the  Court  by  Governour,  Dep.  Governour  or  3 

1  George  Monk  kept  the  Blue  Anchor  Tavern,  which  was  on  Washington, 
north  of  the  store  now  occupied  by  Little,  Brown,  &  Co.,  one  estate,  fortj 
feet  wide,  intervening.  The  place  and  the  man  are  noted  in  Dunton's  "  Let 
ters  from  New  England,"  reprinted  in  1867  by  the  Prince  Society.  —  Eds. 


90  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1685. 

Magistrates  of  Boston,  and  no  Answer  to  be  given  till 
then.  Magistrates  past  a  Negative  and  another  Vote  for 
Adjournment  till  2*^  Wednesday  in  October.  Address  is 
past  but  several  did  not  vote,  of  which  Self  one.^  Mr. 
Houghton  and  Dudley  called  as  went  home. 

Mr.  Higginson  gave  in  his  Opinion  for  Submission  this 
day  in  case  a  Comissioned  Governour  come  over. 

Satterday,  July  25.  Governour  is  prevailed  with  to 
sign  the  Address.  Court  is  Adjourned  by  the  Dept. 
Governour  (for  Governour  at  home)  till  the  2!^  Wednesday 
in  August  at  one  aclock :  Several  Freemen  first  made. 

July  29\^  Cous.  Dumer  returns,  and  brings  word  of 
Mr.  Batters  Death  this  morn.  He  went  from  Court, 
as  Mr.  Addington  the  Speaker  remembers,  last  Thorsday. 
Mr.  Nath.  Green  arrives  this  day,  come  from  London  June 
the  6.  Jolls  arrived  in  whom  went  the  Letter  concern- 
ing the  Kings  Proclamation. 

Tho.  Fayre wether  a  day  or  two  before,  by  whom  we 
bear  of  Argyle's  Rising  in  Scotland,  Landing  there  from 
Holland  with  the  preparations  against  him.  Act  of  Par- 
liament for  Settling  the  King's  Revenue,  as  to  the  former 
King. 

Thorsday,  July  30.  Actions  (33)  being  heard,  Court  is 
Adjourned  till  Tuesday  next,  Jury  not  dismissed  because 
of  Several  Criminals. 

Friday,  July  ult.  Condey  arrives,  hath  had  the  Small 
Pocks  of  which  Jn!^  Cutts,  his  own  Son,  a  youth,  and  one 
more  are  dead ;  but  'tis  said  have  been  well  a  14  night. 
When  came  a  little  above  the  Castle,  took  in  the  Colours 
and  cast  Anchor,  and  a  Man  coming  from  on  Board  would 
not  tell  what  the  matter  was,  so  began  to  noise  it  that  the 
new  Governour  was  come,  flocking  to  the  waterside.  Not 
considering  that  Condey  came  out  before  Green. 

1  The  Record  gives  a  copy  of  the  address  as  voted,  and  the  Court  adjourned 
to  the  second  V^^'ednesday  in  August.  At  that  date,  nothing  important  was 
done,  and  an  adjournment  was  made  to  Sept.  16,  and  then  to  Oct.  14  —Eds. 


t 


1685.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  91 

Satterday,  Aug*  1.  An  order  from  the  Council  is  signed 
to  cause  the  Ship  to  remove  lower  to  Lovel's  Hand,  and 
there  the  Passengers,  Ship,  and  Goods  between  Decks  to 
be  Aired :  None  to  come  to  any  Town  till  further  Order. 
And  None  to  entertain  persons  coming  from  the  Ship. 
Yet  Mr.  Vaughan  and  Wyar  gone  homeward.  Mr.  Sam! 
Epps  dyed  in  London  last  April.  It  seems  upon  the  SiY^ 
of  July  Mr.  Eliot  riding  home  his  Horse  stumbled  and 
threw  him,  by  which  means  his  Collar-Bone  is  broken 
near  his  shoulder  which  puts  him  in  great  pain. 

Wednesday,  Augt.  5.  rode  to  Dorchester  Lecture  with 
Cous.  Nath.  Dumer ;  was  kindly  entertained  at  Mr.  Stough- 
ton's  after  Lecture.  Going  thither  I  saw  a  few  Feet  of 
Ground  enclosed  with  Boards,  which  is  done  by  the  Quak- 
ers out  of  respect  to  som  one  or  more  hanged  and  buried 
by  the  Gallows  :  though  the  Governour  forbad  them,  when 
they  asked  Leave. 

Aug*  7*.^  Eldridge  Sails  for  London,  wherein  goes  the 
Address  to  King  James  the  2^  Hath  been  hindered  from 
July  27.  by  running  on  a  Rock,  essaying  to  go  out  at 
Broad  Sound. 

Satterday  8.  at  night  August  8.  1685.  The  Reverend 
Mr.  Jn?.  Sherman  dyes  :  seemed  to  be  cheerly  in  the  morn 
and  on  Friday :  the  wether  extream  hot :  Is  buried  on 
Monday  August  10.  1685.  Not  many  Ministers  there,  I 
supose  knew  not  of  it.  Dept.  Governour,  Major  General 
Gookin,  Mr.  Stoughton,  Dudley,  Davie,  Richards,  Nowel, 
Russel,  Hutchinson,  Cook,  Sewall,  there :  Governour  not 
present.  I  saw  one  or  two  Coaches.  He  is  much  La- 
mented as  a  Godly,  prudent,  peacable  Man.  By  Ed.  Oaks 
I  understand  Mr.  Adams  is  seised  again  with  his  Fever- 
Ague,  so  that  said  Oaks  preach'd  there  all  day  on  the 
Sabbath.  When  return  from  the  Funeral,  I  find  my  little 
Hull  extream  ill. 

Augt.  12.  General  Court  meets:  Thorsday  Augt.  13. 
Adjourns    till    3^  Wednesday   in   September,    excepting 


92  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1685. 

Emergency.  This  Court  ordered  Court  of  Assistant  Ju- 
rymen from  Salem,  and  other  Towns,  not  of  late  usual. 
The  Treasurer  refused  to  send  out  Warrants  for  Valuation, 
without  a  sjDecial  order  of  Court,  lest  thereby  he  should 
seem  to  accept  of  that  Office ;  so  in  his  Bill  he  drew  up, 
mentioned  their  providing  a  Treasurer  against  October. 
So  the  Secretary  is  ordered  to  give  forth  Warrants  to  the 
Towns  to  send  in  Votes  for  Treasurer  to  be  presented  to 
October  Court.  Is  a  Rumor  that  a  Comission  will  be 
granted  to  some  Gentlemen  here,  before  the  Governour 
come. 

Augt.  14.  I  go  to  the  Funeral  of  Robert  Saunderson's 
young  Son.  At  night  Mr.  Willard,  Eliot  Jacob,  Rob! 
Walker,  Frary,  Nath.  Oliver,  Benj.  Davis  meet  here  to 
discourse.  Because  the  two  last  named  desire  to  come 
into  the  Church  without  making  any  Relation  at  all ;  or 
'having  Mr.  Willard  report  the  Substance  of  what  they 
said  to  him. 

Tuesday,  Augt.  18.  The  Posthumous  Daughter  of  James 
Richards  Esqr.  is  to  be  buried  this  day,  died  very  sud- 
denly. 

Monday  Morn.  Augt.  17.  The  sad  and  unexpected 
Newes  of  Mr.  Adams's^  Death  came  to  Town.  Is  to  be 
buried  on  Wednesday.  Relations  of  the  young  Nymph 
above,  are  also  Relations  to  Mr.  Adams.^ 

Mr.  Adams  sate  down  to  Super  with  us  on  Thorsday 
even  Augt.  6.  in  Company  with  Mr.  Torrey.  Mr.  Torrey 
craving  a  Blessing,  thanked  God  for  the  Interview.  This 
day  his  Election  Sermon  came  out,  and  Augt.  the  7^}^  Friday 
morn,  he  gave  me  the  Errata,  which  was  chiefly  carried  away 


1  A  classmate  of  Sewall.  —  Eds. 

2  This  hint  of  a  connection  between  Kev.  William  Adams  and  the  daughter 
of  James  Richards  by  his  wife  Sarah,  daughter  of  William  Gibbons,  is  not  to 
be  explained  now.  James  was  possibly  son  of  Thomas  and  Welthian  Rich- 
ards; but  of  Adams  we  know  only  that  his  father,  William,  was  of  Ipswich, 
—  Eds 


1685.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  93 

in  stead  of  carried  with  ambition.  Saped  with  a  new  sort 
of  Fish  called  Coners,  my  wife  had  bought,  which  occa- 
sioned Discourse  on  the  Subject.  Mr.  Adams  returned 
Thanks. 

Wednesday,  Augt.  19*.^  1685.  I  ride  to  the  Funeral  of 
the  Reverend  Mr.  W^  Adams  from  Roxbury,  in  the  Com- 
pany of  Mr.  Hutchinson,  Sergeant  and  their  wives.  Mag- 
istrates there,  Dept.  Governour,  Mr.  Stoughton,  Dudloy 
Richards,  Cook  ;  Four  of  our  Class,  viz :  Mr.  Thacher, 
Bowls,  Norton,  Self.  I  took  one  Spell  at  carrying  hira. 
Is  laid  in  Mr.  Lusher' s  Tomb.  Mr.  Wilson  prayed  with 
the  Company  before  they  went  to  the  Grave.  Dyed  a 
strong  Death  about  Sun-Rise  on  Monday  morn. 

Augt.  20,  1685.  Mr.  Moodey  preaches  from  Ps.  74.  9. 
There  is  no  more  any  Prophet :  With  respect  to  four 
Ministers  taken  away  in  less  than  twice  so  many  Moneths : 
Shewed  that  'twas  a  peculiar  Aggravation  to  all  other 
Afflictions  and  Fears.  Mr.  Edw.  Taylor  lodges  here  this 
night,  he  hastened  to  Town  against  Lecture-day  that  so 
might  see  Mr.  Adams  among  the  Ministers  after  Lecture ; 
but  coming,  found  me  gone  to  His  Funeral. 

Augt.  26.  Mr.  Condey  the  Shipmaster  dyes  about  9. 
last  night.     Hath  been  sick  but  a  little  while. 

Augt.  27.  Mr.  Thomas  Bayly  preaches  in  Mr.  Mather's 
Turn.  After  Lecture  Capt.  Condey  buried.  Gloves  given 
to  the  Magistrates.  Eight  Companies  warned  to  Train 
next  Monday.     Capt.  Eliot  also  warns  the  Troop. 

Friday,  Augt.  28,  1685.  Mr.  Foy  arrives  from  London, 
about  8  weeks  Passage,  brings  News  of  Argyle's  being 
taken :  and  of  Monmouth's  being  in  Arms  in  England, 
with  Rumors  of  a  great  Engagement  and  30  or  40.000 
slain,  which  Solomon  Raynsford  told  us  at  Dinner.  'Tis 
said  there  are  Black  Boxes  sent  to  Mr.  Stoughton,  Dudley, 
Bulkly,  and  Wharton.  Many  are  clapt  up  in  London,  so 
that  the  Halls  [of  the  Companies,  e.  g.,  Fishmongers, 
Plumbers,  &c.]  full. 


94  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1685. 

This  day  Augt.  28.  is  a  Church  Meeting  at  which  'tis 
consented  that  Persons  may  be  taken  in,  the  Church  only 
being  present,  and  not  the  Congregation:  at  the  same 
time  Mr.  Benj.  Davis,  Mr.  Nath.  Ohver  and  Mr.  Sam! 
Checkly  were  propounded. 

Monday,  Augt.  31.  Eight  Companies  and  the  Troop 
Train.  Dine  with  the  South-Company,  Capt.  Blackwell,  Mr. 
Brown  of  Barbados,  Mr.  Tho.  Bayly,  Capt.  Gerrish,  Capt. 
Jn"!  Higginson,  Cous.  Dumer  Trained.  This  morn  Comis- 
sioners  chosen,  and  by  reason  of  the  Training,  persons 
came  and  delivering  their  Votes  went  away,  and  some 
came  not  at  all,  so  that  was  but  Nine  Persons  when  they 
were  proclaimed  and  but  eleven  at  any  time  in  telling. 
Most  had  61  Votes,  generally  50  odd.  Mr.  Nowell  and 
my  self  present  for  2. 

After  went  to  see  my  sick  Ensign,  and  staid  while  Mr. 
Willard  went  to  prayer  with  him,  his  Life  is  feared.  A 
Ten-pound  Horse  was  stab'd  and  killed  with  a  Pike  this 
day,  Jn"!  Bemis's  :  Company  made  a  Gathering  16s.  In 
the  South-Company,  Mr.  Allen  Prayed,  5-9  verses  149 
Ps.  sung. 

Thorsday,  Septf  8^  My  Ensign  Mr.  Asaph  Eliot  dyes 
about  3  past  Meridian,  of  a  Fever.  Is  to  be  buried  next 
Satterday  about  2  of  the  Clock.  Mr.  Jn?  Bayly  preached 
the  Lecture.  Several  desirable  persons  are  lately  dead  at 
Watertown  in  a  week  or  two. 

Friday,  Septy  4,  '85.  about  6  aclock  Mr.  Asaph  Eliot, 
Ensign  of  the  South-Company  was  buried  :  'twas  rainy 
wether,  but  had  7  Files  Pikes  and  6  Musketeers.  Mr. 
EHot  was  about  34  years  old. 

Sabbath-day,  Septy  6.  in  the  time  of  Afternoon-Exercise, 
a  considerable  Gust  of  Thunder,  Lightening,  Rain. 

Supose  this  to  be  the  day  that  a  Barn  was  burnt  by  it 
at  Roxbury. 

Tuesday  Sept.  8.  A  Porpus  was  pursued  and  taken 
within  the  inward  Wharfs. 


1685.]  DIAET    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  95 

Wednesday,  7  :  9*^  Dined  at  Mr.  Dudley's  in  Company 
of  Counsellor  Bond,  Mr.  Stoughton,  Blackwell,  Davie,  Tor- 
rey,  Willard,  Shrimpton,  EV^  Hutchinson,  Paige,  King, 
Allen,  Mrs.  Willard,  Mrs.  Paige.  Mr.  Hutchinson  shewed 
me  his  Letter  concerning  his  Mill  at  Piscataqua,  wherein 
is  sollicited  to  build  a  Fort,  lest  the  Indians  burn  it.  When 
came  home  heard  of  a  Body  of  Indians  near  Chelmsford, 
3  or  400.  The  Rumors  and  Fears  concerning  them  do 
much  increase. 

The  Indians  are  near  Albany :  Wonolanset  brings  the 
news  to  Chelmsford  ;  and  mistrusts  of  their  mischievous 
Designs. 

Thorsday  7  :  10*?  Mr.  Jn!"  Cotton  preaches  the  Lecture. 
After  Lecture  Counsellor  Bond  dines  with  the  Court, 
Thanks  them  all  for  their  curtesy  and  kindness  to  him. 
Goes  off  in  Mr.  Smith. 

Sabbath-day  Septf  13,  1685.  Mr.  Benj.  Davis,  Nath! 
Oliver,  Sam!  Checkly  and  his  wife  are  received  into  the 
Church,  which  is  a  Sabbath  or  2  sooner  than  I  expected : 
The  Lord's  Super  not  being  to  be  administered  till  Oct!" 
4*.?  Sam!  Checkly  had  most  in  's  Relation:  two  wear 
Perriwigs  : '  viz  :  Davis,  Checkly. 

Mr.  Bond  with  us  to  day.  Were  first  propounded 
Augt.  28. 

Sept.  14,  1685.  Go  to  Cambridge,  and  there  hear  Mr. 
Wigglesworth  preach  excellently  from  those  words,  Fight 
the  good  Fight  of  Faith,  Lay  hold  on  eternal  Life.  vid. 
Notes.2  Capt.  Hill  chosen  Capt.  Mr.  Lynde  Lieut.  Mr. 
Williams  of  New-Cambridge  [Newton]  Ensign.  Mr.  Hill 
I  think  will  not  accept.  Coming  home,  hear  of  Meadfield 
MiU  being  burnt,  and  their  confusion  at  Malborough  last 


1  Many  evidences  of  Sewall's  intense  dislike  of  "  Perriwigs  "  appear  in  his 
papers.  —  Eds. 

2  In  the  Cabinet  of  the  Historical  Society  are  several  small  MS.  volumes, 
which  prove  Mr.  Sewall's  zeal  and  diligence  in  making  full  notes  of  sermony 
heard  by  him.  —  Eds. 


96  DIARr    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1685. 

Satterday  night.  A  suspected  Indian  is  put  in  Prison.  It 
seems  were  in  Arms  last  Sabbathday  at  Dedham,  somway 
knowing  of  Meadfield  Mill  being  burnt.  People  are  much 
perplexed. 

Tuesday,  Sept!  15.  Take  leav  of  Mr.  Bond  and  give 
him  Mr.  Oakes's  Artillery  Sermon  to  read  at  Sea,  stitched 
in  Marble  paper.     Sails  in  Mr.  Smith. 

Tuesday,  Sepf  15,  1685.  Mr.  Barns  tells  me  the  Gov- 
ernour  of  Carolina  is  come  to  Town  this  day  for  his  health : 
is  so  weak  that  stumbled  at  a  pebble  and  fell  down.  Name, 
West.  Mr.  Willard  speaks  to  the  7*.^  Comandment,  con- 
demns naked  Brests  :  and  seems  to  be  against  the  Mar- 
riage of  First-Cousins. 

Thorsday,  Sept^  17.  News  comes  to  Town  of  the  ris- 
ing of  the  Negros  at  Jamaica.  Proves  nothing  answerable 
to  the  Kumor. 

Generall  Court  having  Voted  that  care  be  taken  to  see 
that  all  Persons  are  f urnisht  with  Arms  and  Amunition  ac- 
cording to  Law  because  of  Indians,  that  Wonolanset  have 
£10.  given  him  to  apease,  [him]  because  he  alledges  some 
of  his  carried  away  contrary  to  safe  Conduct,  and  for  his 
late  Service ;  that  the  West  end  of  the  Town-House  be 
secured  with  Lead  at  the  Country's  Charge,  Court  is 
adjourned  to  the  2^  Wednesday  in  October  at  one  of  the 
Clock.  Tim-  Prout  made  surveyor  general  in  Mr.  Stod- 
dard's Koom,  to  look  after  stock  of  Powder  &c. 

Mr.  Dudley,  Saltonstall,  Buckley,  to  say  whether  they 
will  accept  their  Commissions  as  Majors. 

Sabbath-day  night,  Septr.  20.  1685.  Watch  with  Isaac 
Goose,  and  Cous.  Nath.  Dumer.  Sam.  Clark  keeps  on 
Board  his  Brother's  Ship,  intending  a  Voyage  to  Sea, 
having  no  work  in  the  Shop. 

Note,  Sabbath-day,  Septf  20.  Mr.  Jn°  Baily  preaches 
with  us  all  day :  Mr.  Willard  at  Watertown.  In  the  After- 
noon from  those  words  of  Job,  Till  my  Change  come. 
Doct.  Death  a  very  great   Change. 


1685.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  97 

Monday,  75  21.  Shewed  Mr.  Tho.  Chiever,  Schoolmaster, 
in  the  Evening,  what  had  received  from  Jamaica  concern- 
ing Zadori.     [a  stranger  from  Hungary.] 

Tuesday,  7'"  22.  1685.  Jn?  Gardener  came  in  late  last 
night ;  this  morning  the  News  he  brings  runs  throw  the 
Town,  viz.  that  James  late  D.  of  Monmouth  was  beheaded 
on  Tower-Hill  on' the  15*.^  July  last.  Argyle  drawn,  hanged 
and  quartered.  Neigbour  Fifield  brought  me  the  News, 
who  had  it  from  the  Cryer  of  Fish. 

Mr.  Nowel  and  Moodey  called  here,  having  been  to  see 
sick  father  Porter,  this  morn  7^  22. 

7""  22.  This  day  Mr.  Morgan,  his  Lady  and  Family 
arrive  from  Barbados  intending  to  dwell  here  for  some 
time. 

By  the  same  Ship  word  is  brought  of  the  death  of  Mr. 
Henry  Higginson  of  the  Small  Pocks. 

7'  22.  In  the  Afternoon  I  visit  Father  Porter,  and  Mr. 
West  late  Governor  of  Carolina,  who  comes  hether  for  cure 
of  the  Dry  Gripes. 

Wednesday  7f  23.  Cous.  Nath.  Duiner  and  I  ride  to 
Milton  Lecture.  Before  Lecture,  I  went  to  Anthony  Gul- 
liver and  got  him  to  go  with  me  to  Penny-Ferry  and  shew 
me  the  Marsh  [he]  was  to  buy  of  Mr.  Gardener.  He  owned 
that  he  hired  the  Marsh  6  Acres  of  my  Father  at  fifty 
shillings  and  would  see  me  paid  ;  seemed  to  say  he  hired 
it  for  his  Son.     Dined  at  Mr.  Thacher's. 

Wednesday  night,  Sepf  23.  Mr.  Clutterbuck  Arrives 
from  New-Castle  and  brings  word  that  he  saw  Argile's 
head  cut  off  June  the  last ;  and  the  certain  Newes  of  the 
Death  of  Monmouth  about  the  middle  of  July.  Dissenters 
in  the  North  released,  and  Scotland  in  quiet. 

Tis  remarkable  that  Clutterbuck  should  from  Ocular 
Testimony  contradict  diametrically  the  Rumors  that  were 
spread  in  Town  Friday  was  Senight  and  strongly  propa- 
gated, said  to  come  by.  Clutterbuck :  which  was  a  meer 
Lye. 

7 


98  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1685. 

Laurence    Yandenbosk    Fr.[ench]     Minister    Marries 
-,  Sylvester  and  Widow  Gillam  ;  though  had  prom- 


ised the  Court  to  do  no  more  such  things  :  this  about  the 
beginning  7^ :  is  since  gone  to  New  York.^ 

7""  25.  Brother  and  Sister  Stev.  Sewall  visit  us.  His 
Honour  visits  the  Carohna  Governour. 

7^  26.  Jn^  Turner  arrives  from  Newfoundland,  brings 
above  20  Passengers,  though  his  vessel  so  very  small.  14^- 
Passage. 

Monday,  Sepf^  28,  1685.  Meeting  of  Boston-Freemen 
to  chuse  a  Treasurer  for  the  Country.  Mrs.  Stanbury 
buried  last  night. 

The  last  high  Tide  carried  away  the  Bridge  at  Cam- 
bridge [to  what  is  now  Brighton],  part  of  it;  so  that 
Cous.  Fissenden  now  keeps  a  Ferry  there.  Seth  tells  me 
tis  that  part  the  Town  was  to  maintain.  Friday  was 
Seiiight,  by  a  Eaft  of  Boards. 

Sept^  29.  Cous.  Nath.  Dumer  goes  to  Salem  in  Capt. 
More  to  try  to  sell  what  remains  of  his  Goods,  for  Fish 
there.  Cous.  Fissenden  calls  in,  all  were  w^ell  lately  at 
Newbury,  he  having  visited  them. 

Thorsday,  Octl"  1.  1685.  Mr.  Samson  Stoddard  arrives, 
who  came  from  London  the  25.  July :  brings  the  particu- 
lars of  the  Taking  and  Executing  of  the  Late  Duke  3f 
Monmouth  whoes  Head  he  saw  struck  off.  Persons  con- 
fined are  now  released. 

Friday,  Octy  2.  go  to  Andrew  Gardener's  at  Muddy  River 


■^  This  matter  is  referred  to  in  the  printed  "Vindication  of  jNew  Enjy- 
land,"  presumed  to  be  mainly  written  by  Increase  Mather,  reprinted  in 
"  Andros  Tracts,"  Vol.  II.  It  is  there  written,  that  "  'tis  confessed  that  ouce 
or  twice  a  Debauched  Priest  has  appeared  amongst  them ;  particularly  one 
Vardenbosch,  who  besides  the  good  work  of  Baptizing  a  noted  Whore  or  two 
of  his  acquaintance,  made  private  Marriages  without  any  previous  publica- 
tion of  Banes  (which  is  a  nusance  and  Bane  to  all  humane  society);  and  yet 
so  tender  was  the  Government  as  only  to  give  them  some  Orall  Rebukes,  upon 
which  the  guilty  Knaves  have  run  away."  Savage  calls  him  Lawrence  Van- 
derbosk,  a  Huguenot  clergyman.  —  Eds. 


1685.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  99 

to  gather  Chestnuts  in  Company  Mr.  Dudley,  Shrimpton, 
Lidget,  Luscomb :  3  last  I  knew  nothing  of  till  came 
to  Eoxbury.  Made  us  Eat  there  after  came  from  Nut- 
ting. 

Monday  Oct!  5.  Cloudy  Lowring  day,  yet  the  Artillery 
Company  goes  over  to  Charlestown :  the  2  Companies 
Train :  we  divide  into  2,  and  with  Cambridge  Artillery 
opose  them  upon  the  Hill  in  prospect  of  the  Harbour. 
Mr.  Cotton  Mather  prayed  with  us  in  the  morn,  and  at 
breaking  up.  Capt.  Wade  with  his  Troop  there :  the 
Major  Generall  with  a  small  Guard.  Major  Richards, 
Mr.  Treasurer,  Mr.  Nowel,  Cook,  dine  with  us  at  Jack- 
son's. Mr.  Cotton  Mather  Craves  a  Blessing  and  Returns 
Thanks.     Got  over  about  dark. 

Wednesday,  8^  7-^  Meeting  at  our  House,  Mr.  Zech. 
Walker  speaks  from  Gen.  6.  8,  9.  to  very  good  purpose, 
shewing  how  may  walk  to  be  in  a  way  of  finding  favour 
in  God's  Sight.  Last  Direct,  was  to  carry  it  as  inoffensively 
as  might  towards  Men,  that  our  own  Rashness  and  indis- 
cretion might  not  be  the  cause  of  our  suffering. 

Thorsday,  Octl"  8.  Dolebery  arrives  being  7  weeks  this 
day  from  London  :  brings  little  News  that  I  hear  of  ;  only 
'tis  rumored,  we  are  not  like  to  have  an  alteration  of  the 
Government  this  year.  A  youth  about  nine  years  old,  Son 
to  Emanuel  Wishart,  drowned  this  day.  County  Court  dis- 
solved. 

Satterday,  Oct!"  10,  1685.  We  read  in  course  the  de- 
feat of  Adonija ;  and  the  illustrious  Coronation  of  King 
Solomon. 

Sabbath-day,  Oct^  11.  A  day  of  Sore  Rain  almost  all 
day  Long :  Rained  very  hard  going  to  and  from  Meeting 
forenoon  and  all  Meeting  time  till  2  aclock,  and  great  part 
Afternoon,  and  now  at  dark  Rains  hard.  Hath  been  cloudy, 
Rainy,  dark  Wether  above  this  week :  but  this  Day  exceeds. 
Eliza.  Foxcroft  Baptised  this  Afternoon. 

Monday,  Oct!  12.     South- Company  Trains,  rest  discour- 


100  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1685. 

aged  by  the  wet  because  thought  could  not  perform  their 
intended  Exercise. 

Tuesday,  Octy  13.  Is  a  rumor  in  Town  of  Jolls's  being 
cast  away  on  the  Cape  and  all  the  Passengers  Lost  but 
five  Persons  ;  Mr.  Randolph  drowned :  but  supose  aU 
groundless. 

Friday,  Octf  16.  The  Reverend  Mr.  Michael  Wiggles- 
worth  is  chosen  by  the  Magistrates  to  Preach  the  next 
Election-Sermon. 

Satterday,  Oct!  17.  Yesterday  Mr.  Stoughton  and  Dud- 
ley Avere  grossly  abused  on  the  Road  by  James  Begelo 
[Bigelow]  of  Watertown,  and  others.  Begelo  lay  in  Gaol 
all  night,  and  to  day  bound  over  to  the  County  Court  first 
Tuesday  in  November.  Court  adjourned  till  Tuesday  Morn- 
ing next ;  partly  because  of  the  designed  Training.  Before 
Adjournment  the  Deputies  sent  down  a  Smart  Bill,  alledg- 
ing  that  they  were  no  blameable  cause  of  the  Laws  not 
being  Printed. 

Monday,  Oct^  19*^  Training  of  Six  Companies.  Exer- 
cise was  Taking  of  the  Fort  and  advancing  White  Colours 
with  Red  Cross,  above  the  Red  Colours :  so  it  stood  while 
went  to  Dinner.  Then  Retaken.  Firings  on  the  Comon : 
Vollies  to  the  Governour.  About  Nine  aclock  at  night 
News  comes  to  Town  of  Capt.  Henchman's  Death  at 
Worcester  last  Thorsday ;  buried  on  Friday.  Yery  few 
at  his  Funeral,  his  own  Servants,  a  white  and  black, 
carried  him  to,  and  put  him  in  his  Grave.  His  Wife  and 
children  following  and  no  more,  or  but  one  or  two  more. 

Tuesday,  Oct^  20*^  Mr.  Torrey  here,  prays  with  me  and 
my  Wife  in  the  Morning.     Great  Rain  and  Storm. 

Oct!  21,  1685.  Capt.  Jn"  Phillips  finally  refuses  to  be 
Treasurer ;  the  Magistrates  chuse  Mr.  Nowel :  but  the 
Deputies  would  have  it  done  by  the  Freemen,  that  their 
Priviledges  may  not  be  dipt,  as  many  of  them  have  of 
late  been.  Mr.  Walker  speaks  at  Mrs  Oliver's  from  Isa. 
59,  19.     When  the  Enemy  shall  come  in  like  a  Flood,  &c., 


1685.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  101 

being  the  place  propounded  by  said  Oliver.  Very  rainy 
day. 

Wednesday,  Ocf  21.  '85.  very  high  Tide,  went  into  our 
Cellar  over  the  Wharf  :  but  did  not  fill  it :  filled  several 
other  Cellars. 

Thorsday,  Oct^  22.  Deputies  reassume  their  A^ote  as  to 
the  Treasurer  and  consent  with  the  Magistrates,  provided 
it  be  not  drawn  into  an  Example :  so  after  Lecture  Mr. 
Nowel  took  his  Oath  as  Treasurer,  having  first  made  a 
worthy  Speech.  The  Bill  is  passed  that  Persons  must  be 
Arrested  14  days  inclusive  before  the  Court.  Court  Ad- 
journed to  the  S*^  Tuesday  in  November  at  one  aclock  : 
except  there  be  some  great  Occasion  to  convene  sooner. 
A  Half  Money-Rate  and  whole  Rate  in  Country-pay 
passed.  Mr.  Mather  preached  from  Ps.  73.  28.  first 
part  :  'Tis  good  for  all  to  draw  near  to  God.  No 
Thanks-Giving  this  Session.     [See  note,  p.  105.] 

Oct'  31.  1685.  Mrs  Prout,  the  Mother,  is  buried ;  Ram 
part  of  the  way,  so  but  a  few  comparatively  at  the  Grave ; 
Rainbow  seen.  Note,  Little  Hull  had  a  sore  Convulsion 
Fit  this  day  about  Noon,  so  that  I  was  sent  for  home  from 
Court :  had  another  near  Sunset. 

Satterday,  Oct^  31.  in  the  even  I  read  in  course  in  the 
Family  Mr.  Norton's  Sermon  on  Jn?  8.  20.  Lib^  22.  8*.^ 
3"^  1659.  Doct.  All  Engagements  of  Spirit,  and  Advan- 
tages notwithstanding ;  the  Changes  that  befall  Men,  they 
come  neither  before  nor  after,  but  in  the  apointed  Hour, 
or  the  precise  Time,  foreappointed  of  God.  Sometime 
this  Week  a  virulent  Libel  was  fixed  on  Mr.  Dudley's 
Fence,  extreamly  abusive,  especially  to  Him. 

Novf  3?  Capt.  Brown  Dines  with  the  Court.  Giles 
Goddard  is  brought  in  Not  guilty  respecting  Mr.  Nowel's 
Trunks,  lost  in  Time  of  the  Fire.  1679. 

Novf  3^  James  Begelo  fined  10£  and  Stebbin  5£  for 
their  Abuses  to  Mr.  Stoughton  and  Dudley.  To  find  Bond 
for  good  Behaviour  till  next  Court,  then  Apear;  Fees  of 
Court,  standing  Comitted  till  performed. 


102  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1685. 

Wednesday,  Novf  4*.^  The  County  Court  was  Ad- 
journed to  Thorsday  come  Senight  at  2  aclock. 

Mr.  Allin  preached  Novf  5.  1685  —  finished  his  Text 
1  Jn?  1.  9.  mentioned  not  a  word  in  Prayer  or  Preaching 
that  I  took  notice  of  with  respect  to  Gim-powder  Treason. 
Part  of  the  132^  Ps.  sung;  viz.  from  11*^  v.  The  Lord  to 
David  Sware  —  to  the  End.  In  the  Even  I  met  at  Serj^ 
Bull's  with  Capt.  Frary,  Serj*  Gardener,  Pell,  Kaynsford, 
Corp"  Odlin,  Quinsey,  Paddy,  Clerk  Mason,  Wheeler; 
Ten  mentioned  sate  down  to  Super,  Serj*  Bull  and  his 
Wife  waited  :  After  by  the  Fire  spake  as  to  an  Ensign, 
all  said  they  were  unanimous  for  Serj*  Gardener  upon 
Serj!^  Bull's  refusal,  who  alledged,  as  formerly,  the  loss  of 
's  4*^  Finger  of  's  right  Hand,  and  a  Pain  in  the  same 
Shoulder :  and  as  to  me,  is  not  of  any  Church,  nor  a 
Freeman,  nor  of  Estate,  besides  the  former  Objections. 
Although  it  rained  hard,  yet  there  was  a  Bonfire  made 
on  the  Comon,  about  50  attended  it. 

Friday  night  being  fair  about  two  hundred  hallowed 
about  a  Fire  on  the  Coinon. 

Friday,  NovF  6.  Mr.  Willard  calls  in  and  tells  me  of  a 
Thanks-Giving  intended  by  the  Ministers  through  the 
Colony  upon  the  3'^  of  the  next  Moneth  :  Go  to  the  Gov- 
ernour  to  get  his  Approbation,  which  He  doth  not  presently 
grant ;  but  will  speak  of  it  in  Council  on  Thorsday  next ; 
whether  convenient  for  the  Churches  generally  to  attend 
such  a  Day  without  an  Order  from  Authority,  as  usual. 
The  difficulty  of  Printing  an  Order  is,  lest  by  putting  in, 
or  leaving  out,  we  offend  England.  Having  occasion  this 
day  to  go  to  Mr.  Hayward  the  Publick  Notary's  House,  I 
speak  to  him  about  his  cutting  off  his  Hair,  and  wearing 
a  Perriwig  of  contrary  Colour  :  mention  the  words  of  our 
Saviour,  Can  ye  not  make  one  Hair  white  or  black  :  and 
Mr.  Alsop's  Sermon.  He  alledges.  The  Doctor  advised 
him  to  it. 

Sabbathday  Nov!  8.     By  Mr.  Willard's  Prayer  in  the 


1685.]  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  103 

Morn,  I  understood  some  Minister  was  dead :  Enquiring 
at  Noon  was  told  by  my  Wife,  from  Mr.  Willard,  that  it 
was  Mr.  Nathaniel  Chauncy  of  Hatfield.  Was  a  Learned 
Godly  Man. 

In  the  Afternoon  Mr.  Willard  Ordained  our  Brother 
Theophilus  Frary  to  the  Office  of  a  Deacon.  Declared 
his  Acceptance  JanT  11^.^  first,  and  now  again.  Propounded 
it  to  the  Congregation  at  Noon  :  Then  in  Even  propounded 
if  any  of  the  Church  or  other  had  to  object  they  might 
speak :  Then  took  the  Church's  Vote,  then  called  him  up 
to  the  Pulpit,  laid  his  Hand  on  's  Head,  and  said  I  ordain 
Thee  &c.,  gave  Him  his  Charge,  then  Prayed,  and  sung 
the  2^  part  of  the  84*.':'  Ps.  4  Children  Baptised  before 
the  Ordination.  Thomas  Eyre ;  William,  Eliza,  Joseph. 
So  God  in  some  measure  is  building  our  House  when 
pulling  down  others. 

Going  to  Mr.  Willard's  I  understand  Mr.  Thomas  Cob- 
bet  died  last  Thorsday  Even,  to  be  buried  tomorrow  Novf 
9*.^ ;  was  abroad  at  some  of  his  Neighbours  the  Monday 
before.  Mr.  Chauncey  died  on  Tuesday  last.  So  two 
Ministers  dead  this  last  week. 

Monday  Novf  9.  Mr.  Cobbet  buried  about  4.  in  the 
Afternoon.  Flight  of  snow.  This  daj^  about  6  or  7  at 
night  a  Male  Infant  pin'd  up  in  a  sorry  Cloth  is  laid  upon~ 
the  Bulk  of  Shaw,  the  Tabacco-Man :  Great  Search  made 
tonight  and  next  day  to  find  the  Mother.  So  far  as  I  can 
hear  this  is  the  first  Child  that  ever  was  in  such  a  manner 
exposed  in  Boston. 

Thorsday,  Novf  12.  Mr.  Moodey  preaches  from  Isa. 
57.  1.  Mr.  Gobbet's  Funeral  Sermon ;  said  also  of  Mr. 
Chauncy  that  he  was  a  Man  of  Singular  Worth.  Said 
but  2  of  the  First  Generation  left. 

After,  the  Ministers  of  this  Town  Come  to  the  Court 
and  complain  against  a  Dancing  Master  who  seeks  to  set 
up  here  and  hath  mixt  Dances,  and  his  time  of  Meeting 
is   Lecture-Day;    and   'tis   reported   he  should  say   that 


104  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1685. 

by  one  Play  he  could  teach  more  Divinity  than  Mr.  Wil- 
lard  or  the  Old  Testament.  Mr.  Moodey  said  'twas  not  a 
time  for  N.  E.  to  dance.  Mr.  Mather  struck  at  the  Root, 
speaking  against  mixt  Dances. 

An  order  is  made  to  sumon  Mr.  Shrimpton  to  Answere 
Mr.  Sergeant  by  virtue  of  the  new  Law  :  about  the  Fathers 
Will,  next  Monday  14  night,  which  is  the  last  of  Novf 
Mr.  Shrimpton  and  Sergeant  differ  about  Will.  Ecclips 
at  night.  County  Court  adjourned  till  this  day  14  night. 
Governour's  Hat  blew  off  and  fell  flat  on  the  Ground  just 
as  w^ent  to  go  in  at  's  Gate.  Hath  a  new  Border  which 
began  to  wear  Catechising  day  or  Sabbath  last,  as  I  take 
it.  Dept.  Governour  not  in  Town.  New  Almanack  comes 
out  this  Day  intituled  New-England's  Almanack,  by  Mr. 
Danforth. 

The  Ship  Capt.  Berry  went  out  Master  of  to  Jamaica, 
came  in  this  day  :  He  dyed  in  the  Voyage,  and  was  buried 
in  the  Sea. 

Friday,  Nov!"  13.  Barington  arrives,  brings  word  of 
the  beheading  my  Lady  Lisle,  Mrs.  Hez.  Usher's  Mother, 
at  Winchester.^      4  Executed  at  London,  Mr.  Jenkins's 


1  Lady  Alice,  or  Alicia,  Lisle,  was  the  wife  of  John  Lisle,  who  was  bred  to 
the  bar,  and,  being  returned  to  the  Long  Parliament,  became  a  sturdy  opponent 
of  the  King.  He  entered  the  army,  attaining  only  the  rank  of  Major.  He  be- 
came legal  adviser  to  the  High  Court  of  Justice  which  condemned  Charles  L, 
and  a  Commissioner  of  the  Great  Seal  under  Cromwell.  On  the  Restoration,  he 
took  refuge  in  Lausanne,  with  other  refugees,  and  there  he  was  assassinated. 
His  widow,  the  Lady  Alice,  was  arraigned  in  August,  1685,  before  the  in- 
famous Lord  Chief  Justice,  George  Jeffries,  on  the  charge  of  High  Treason, 
for  having,  merely  on  grounds  of  humanity,  given  hospitality  to  a  lawyer  and 
a  clergyman  suspected  of  complicity  in  Monmouth's  insurrection.  She  was 
beheaded  in  September.  Her  daughter  Bridget  was  the  wife  of  Dr.  Leonard 
Hoar,  third  President  of  Harvard  College.  After  his  decease,  Nov.  28, 1675, 
she  married,  Nov.  29,  1676,  Mr.  Hezekiah  Usher,  a  merchant  of  Boston. 
Not  being  happy  in  this  marriage,  she  went  to  England  with  her  daughter, 
Bridget  Hoar,  and  did  not  return  here  till  after  Mr.  Usher's  death,  July  11, 
1697.  Under  date  in  his  journal,  Sewall  records  her  death  in  Boston,  May 
25,  1723,  and  her  interment,  by  her  own  request,  in  the  grave  of  Dr.  Hoar, 
at  Braintree.     Her  daughter,  Bridget  Hoar,  born  at  Cambridge,  March  13, 


1685.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  105 

Son,  Alderm  Hayes  Son,  and  2  more,  and  whipping  the 
Taunton  Maids.  Capt.  Jolls  dead  in  London.  Is  a  Kumor 
that  the  Government  will  be  Changed,  this  Fall  or  Winter, 
by  some  Person  sent  over,  or  a  Comission  to  some  here. 

It  seems  there  was  a  Thanksgiving  kept  at  Deacon 
Allin's  this  Day,  which  knew  not  of  till  Satterday.  Madam 
Usher  there.  Have  a  Gazette  to  the  24\^  of  August  which 
mentions  the  raising  the  Sieg  of  Grann,  taking  Newheusel, 
defeating  the  Turkish  Army  by  the  Imperialists. 

This  Friday  night  began  to  read  the  Eevelation  m 
Course,  having  begun  Parens  just  about  the  same  time 
though  not  on  purpose. 

Sabbath-day,  Novf  15,  1685.  In  the  Afternoon  Mary 
Smith,  Widow,  Mr.  Wheelwright's  Grandchild,  was  taken 
into  Church ;  then  Mr.  Willard  mentioned  what  the  Elders 
had  done  as  to  a  Thanksgiving,  and  propounded  to  the 
Church  that  we  might  have  one  on  the  First  Thorsday  in 
December:  because  had  Fasted,  and  God  had  graciously 
answered  our  Prayers  ;  so  should  meet  Him  in  the  same 
place  to  give  Thanks  for  that,  and  any  other  Providence 
that  hath  passed  before  us.  Silence  gave  Consent,  no  one 
speaking.^ 


1673,  married,  June  21,  1689,  Rev.  Thomas  Cotton,  of  London.  See  Camp- 
bell's Lord  Chancellors,  Vol.  III.  p.  62,  and  Sibley's  "  Graduates  of  Harvard 
University,"  Vol.  L  pp.  214-218.  —  Eds. 

1  For  a  considerable  number  of  years  last  past,  covering  the  lifetime  of 
all  now  on  the  stage,  the  executive  authority  of  Massachusetts  has  annually 
designated,  by  proclamation,  a  day  for  a  public  thanksgiving  and  another  for 
a  public  humiliation  and  fast.  The  usage  has  become  so  much  a  matter  of 
course,  or  routine,  that  the  last  Thursday  of  November  and  the  first  Thurs- 
day of  April  are  regarded  by  the  executive  as  appropriated  to  these  ocodsions. 
The  proclamations  are  phrased  in  general  forms,  and,  for  the  most  part,  if 
not  in  set  terms,  yet  by  implication,  the  usage  for  our  modern  times  is  com- 
mended as  a  tradition  and  as  a  conformity  with  the  ways  of  the  fathers  of 
the  colony.  But  a  vei-y  important  and  distinctive  fact  has  been  lost  sight  of. 
These  days  of  obsei-vance  were  not  appointed  by  "the  fathers"  with  any 
thing  like  our  modern  regularity  and  generalities  of  phrase.  A  special  reason 
and  occasion  for  each  of  them  at  any  season  was  always  emphatically  stated, 
and  that  reason  or  occasion  was  of  such  a  character  as  to  secure  the  fullest 


106  .  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1685. 

Monday,  Novf  16.  Brother  Stephen  here,  and  gives  an 
Account  of  what  had  done  at  Kittery,  for  which  was  glad, 
but  sorely  saddened  by  Hullie's  being  taken  with  Convul- 
sion Fits  at  Even.  Gave  of  Dr.  Winthrop's  Physick  and 
Cordials. 

Tuesday  Even  Mr.  Moodey  here,  prays  with  us ;  then  I 
go  with  him  to  see  Madam  Usher,  expecting  to  have  seen 
some  Prints  ;  but  had  only  a  Letter  from  a  Sister  which 
reached  to  the  day  of  Condemnation  [of  her  mother]. 
Mr.  Moodey  prayed  there  :   took  leave. 

Wednesday,  NovF  18.  Uncomfortable  Court  day  by 
reason  of  the  extream  sharp  words  between  the  Deputy 
Governour  and  Mr.  Stoughton,  Dudley  and  Others.  Some 
Essay  to  have  put  a  Sanction  upon  the  Apointment  for  a 
Thanksgiving ;  but  it  fell  throw.  I  argued  'twas  not  fit 
upon  meer  Generals,  as  (the  Mercies  of  the  year)  to  Com- 
and  a  Thanksgiving  and  of  Particulars  we  could  not  agree. 
Governour  would  have  had  one  Article  for  the  Peace  of 
England,  according  to  His  Majesty's  Proclamation. 

Hollowells  business  heard,  as  to  Land  :  about  that  grew 
the  fierceness  in  discourse.  Mr.  G.  Boroughs  dined  with 
us.^  Major  Generall  not  well.  Mr.  Shove  comes  to  Town 
today ;  but  I  see  him  not. 

Thorsday,  Nov!"  19.  Mr.  Mather  Preaches  from  Numb. 
25.  11.  Shewed  that  Love  was  an  ingredient  to  make 
one  zealous :  those  that  received  good  People,  received 
Christ,  Mat.  25.  Said  that  if  the  Government  of  N.  E. 
were  zealous  might  yet  save  this  People.     2?  Part  of  79^? 


and  profoundest  sympathy  of  the  people  in  the  observance.  An  examination 
of  the  records  will  abundantly  show  how,  instead  of  generalities,  there  was 
always  a  specific  and  pointed  mention  of  one  or  more  matters  directly  engag- 
ing the  feelings  of  the  people,  in  reference  to  which  they  should  unite  in 
glad  thank-offering  or  consecrate  the  fears,  the  gloom,  or  the  disasters  which 
they  had  to  encounter.  —  Eds. 

1  Mr.  Sewall  did  not  foresee  that,  some  seven  years  afterwards,  he  would 
sit  in  judgment  of  his  guest,  the  Rev.  George  Burroughs,  at  his  condemna- 
tion for  witchcraft.  — Eds. 


1685.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  107 

Ps.  sung.  Madam  Usher,  her  Daughter  and  Husband  in 
Mourning.  Mr.  Stoughton  and  Dudley  called  here.  'Tis 
reported  that  a  Frigot  is  to  come  yet  before  Spring  with 
a  Comission  for  a  Governour  here,  upon  the  place :  Mr. 
Dudley  is  talked  of  and  'tis  said  Healths  are  drvoik  to  the 
new  Governour  already,  and  were  so  Nov^  17.  the  day  the 
Ship  came  in.  I  presented  a  Bill  for  Serj!^  Andrew  Gar- 
dener to  be  Ensign  of  the  South-Company,  which  past 
the  Magistrates,  the  whole  Court. 

Mr.  Tho.  Weld  is  aproved  by  about  11  Magistrates  Novf 
19*^  in  his  intended  Work  of  Gathering  a  Church  the  16*.^ 
of  December  next,  Wednesday. 

Friday  Nov!"  20*^  a  very  rainy  and  dark  day,  and  in  the 
Afternoon  turns  to  a  storm  of  Snow  :  Court  is  adjourned 
to  Tuesday,  February  16*.^  at  One  of  the  Clock,  except 
some  Frigot  or  Ships  Arrival  from  England  with  His 
Majesty's  Comands  that  may  call  for  one  sooner;  then 
the  Secretary,  or  if  he  sick  or  dead,  the  Treasurer,  to  send 
forthwith  to  the  Members  of  the  Court,  and  to  such  others 
as  Freemen  may  chuse  to  convene  two  days  after  the  Date 
of  such  Signification,  to  which  time  the  Court  is  adjourned 
in  such  Case.  No  Freemen  made,  nor  Prayer.  Ground 
covered  with  Snow  by  that  time  Court  done,  which  is 
een  quite  dark.  Mr.  Stoughton  and  Dudley  not  here 
today.  'Twas  Essayed  again  to  have  had  a  Sanction  put 
on  the  Thanksgiving :  but  'twas  again  pleaded,  to  do  it 
without  mentioning  particular  causes  would  be  to  impose 
too  much  on  those  Comanded :    So  fell.^ 

Monday  night  Nov!^  23.  1685.  I  go  the  Rounds  with 
Cous.  Quinsey  and  Isaac  Goose,  a  very  severe  night  for 
Cold,  yet  'twas  fair  and  comfortable  :  came  home  at  5. 
mane. 

Novy  25,  Wednesday.     Just  before  I  went  to  the  Meet- 


*  The  court  was  carefully  non-committal  on  matters  of  English  politics, 
to  which  a  reference  was  proposed  in  the  proclamation.  — Eds. 


108  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1685 

ing  at  Brother  Hayward's,  where  I  was  to  speak  from 
Ps.  79.  8,  Jn^  Turner,  Master  of  the  Brigenteen,  came 
in  and  told  me  that  James  Mudge,  one  of  his  seamen, 
having  carried  a  Pass  to  the  Castle,  coming  on  Board 
again,  fell  between  the  Boat  and  Brigenteen  into  Water 
and  was  drowned.  He  several  years  since  gave  his 
Daughter  to  Capt.  Mass  Daurter  at  Charlestown.^  Thaw- 
ing Wether. 

Nov!"  26,  Thorsday.  Nurse  Goose  dyes  about  2.  or  3. 
aclock  in  the  night ;  having  lien  sick  about  a  Week  :  was 
here  it  seems  Wednesday  was  Seiiight.  Was  helpfull  to 
her  self  all  along  till  this  last  sickness :  washt  her  own 
Cloaths.  She  saw  her  great  Grandchildren :  was  a  good 
Woman. ^ 

Mary  an  Indian,  James's  Squaw,  was  Frozen  to  death 
upon  the  Neck  near  Boxbury  Gate^  on  Thorsday  night 
Novy  2T}^  '^^,  being  fudled. 


1  ^Ve  can  interpret  this  only  as  meaning  that  James  Mudge  (who  is  not 
on  record  elsewhere  apparently)  gave  his  child,  for  bringing  up,  presumably, 
to  Captain  Mass's  daughter.  But  we  cannot  identify  Captain  Mass  nor  his 
daughter.  —  Eds. 

2  This  was  doubtless  Susanna,  widow  of  Peter  Vertigoose,  Yergoose,  or 
Goose.  She  had  a  son  Peter,  who  lived  in  Norwich,  England,  and  it  is 
probable  that  the  family  was  not  of  English  origin.  Her  son,  Isaac  Goose, 
of  Boston,  was  twice  married,  his  second  wife  being  Elizabeth  Foster.  By 
her  he  had  a  daughter,  Elizabeth,  who  married  Thomas  Fleet,  the  Boston 
printer. 

Of  late  years  persistent  efforts  have  been  plied  by  descendants  to  make 
out  that  this  wife  of  Isaac  Goose  was  the  vei-itable  Mother  Goose  of  the 
"  Melodies."  Much  will  be  found  in  the  "  N".  E.  Historic  and  Genealogical 
Register,"  Vol.  XXVII.  The  facts  remain,  that  no  one  can  produce  a  copy  of 
Fleet's  presumed  edition  of  the  "Melodies;  "  that  no  contemporary  evidence 
of  such  publication  is  found ;  and  that  the  sole  authority  for  the  story  is  a 
reported  statement  of  the  late  Edward  A.  Crowninshield  that  he  saw  a  copy 
at  Worcester.  Diligent  and  repeated  search  has  failed  to  rediscover  the 
sheet,  and  the  story  must  be  held  unproven.  On  the  other  hand,  the  French 
had,  long  before  this,  termed  fairy  tales, "  stories  of  Mother  Goose;"  and 
Boston  must  abandon  any  claim  to  originating  that  title.  —  Eds. 

8  "  Roxbury  gate"  is  a  term  which  appears  often  on  the  early  records. 
In  1635  (Town  Rec,  printed  ed.,  p.  4),  it  was  voted  that  bro.  Wilbore  see 
to  the  gate  and  style  next  Roxburie.     P.  43,  in  1639,  Samuel  Sherman  was 


i685.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  109 

Nov5  30.  Nurse  Goose  buried.  Was  not  well  yesterday, 
Feverish  and  tossing  most  of  the  night ;  so  not  at  the 
Court  nor  meeting  of  Magistrates,  nor  at  the  Funeral. 
Mr.  Willard  here,  I  returned  Alsop  of  Scandal.  Mr.  Sec- 
retary here. 

At  night  viewed  the  Eclips,  which  in  the  total  obscura- 
tion was  ruddy  ;  but  when  began  to  receive  some  Light, 

allowed  to  keep  up  a  cow-house  he  had  built  "  by  the  gate  next  Roxbury." 
In  1640  (p.  53),  the  license  was  renewed,  and  he  was  warned  to  set  his  fence 
straight,  so  as  not  to  encroach  on  the  highway.  In  1643  (p.  74),  William. 
Colbron  and  Jacob  Eliot  were  ordered  to  repair  the  common  gate  and  fence 
next  Roxbury.  In  1644  (p.  80),  James  Penn  was  to  have  three  acres  next 
to  William  Hibbins's  lane,  near  Roxbury  Gate.  In  1645  (p.  84),  Widow 
Howen  was  allowed  to  cut  hay  on  some  part  of  the  marsh  near  Roxbury 
gate,  where  cattle  cannot  come  to  feed.  In  1650  (p.  99),  Peter  Oliver  had 
£15  a  year  to  maintain  the  highways  from  Jacob  Eliot's  barn  to  the  farthest 
gate  by  Roxbury  Town's  end. 

All  these  possessions  seem  to  have  centred  in  the  Eliots.  May  81,  1652 
(Deeds,  Lib.  I.  f.  211),  William  Hibbins  sold  to  Margery,  widow  of  Jacob 
Eliot,  five  acres  of  land  near  Roxbury  Gate,  bounded  east  by  the  highway  to 
Roxbury,  west  by  Boston  Common,  land  of  Eliot  north  and  south. 

On  the  same  day  (Lib.  I.  f.  211),  James  Penn  sold  to  widow  Margery 
Eliot  five  acres  at  Roxbury  Gate,  part  upland,  part  marsh,  bounded  east  by 
the  highway  to  Roxbury,  west  by  Roxbury  Creek,  Boston  Common  north,  and 
Mr.  William  (sic)  south. 

She  had  already  bought  land  of  the  deacons  of  the  church  in  Boston,  as 
administrators  of  Samuel  Sherman  (William  Colbron  being  one),  which  was 
confirmed  to  her  as  against  Sherman's  children,  May,  1662.  Col.  Rec,  III. 
274,  and  IV.  pt.  11,  p.  47. 

The  Eliots,  whose  homestead  and  field  was  near  Eliot  Street,  long  owned 
this  land  at  the  extreme  south  of  the  town,  Colbron's  field  lying  between 
these  possessions. 

It  is  said  by  competent  authorities  that  there  were  two  Roxbury  gates. 
The  farther  gate  was  at  the  Roxbury  line,  just  beyond  Arnold  Street,  on 
Washington  Street,  where  there  is  a  memorial  stone.  This  was  near  the 
Bull  Pasture.  The  inner  gate  was  just  outside  the  line  of  fortifications,  and 
therefore  just  above  Dover  Street.  The  Neck  was  at  its  narrowest  at  this 
gate;  and  between  the  gates  were  upland  and  swamp,  the  subject  of  many 
gi'ants,  deeds,  and  plans,  as  the  records  show. 

It  is  a  question,  perhaps,  as  to  where  the  first  road  to  Roxbury  was  placed. 
In  1680  (Deeds,  Lib.  12,  f.  188),  widow  Mary  Salter  sold  half  of  her  house, 
bounded  east  by  the  sea,  west  by  the  highway  to  Roxbury,  south  by  the  old 
highway  to  Roxbury,  and  north  by  land  of  Deacon  Jacob  Eliot.  This  would 
seem  to  show  two  roads  on  the  Neck,  the  old  one  perhaps  following  the 
shore.  —  Eds. 


110  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1685. 

the  darkish  ruddiness  ceased.  Horizon  somewhat  Hazy. 
Read  in  course  the  Eleventh  of  the  Revelation. 

30.  NovT  Cous.  Nath.  Dumer  visits  us. 

Wednesday,  Decf  2.  Elias  Parkman  comes  in,  and  hath 
a  man  drowned  near  the  Castle,  as  E?  tells  me.  See  last 
Wednesday. 

Friday,  Dec""  4*^  Being  at  Mr.  Addington's  upon  Busi- 
ness, He  tells  me  Mr.  Shrimpton's  Answer  in  writing  last 
Monday  was,  that  the  Court  proceeded  upon  a  Law  made 
since  the  vacating  the  Charter,  and  therefore  he  should 
not  attend :  so  that  this  Monday  we  begin  palpably  to 
dye  [i.  6.,  the  Government  by  the  Colony  Charter]. 

Sabbath-day,  December  6.  Hull  hath  a  Convulsion  Fit 
as  he  sits  in  his  Grandmother's  Lap  at  Table,  dining,  with 
which  we  are  much  surprised. 

Monday,  Decemb!^  7*?  1685.  About  One  in  the  Night 
my  Wife  is  brought  to  Bed  of  a  Son,  of  which  Mother 
Hull  brings  me  the  first  News :  Mrs.  Weeden  Midwife. 

Wednesday  DecT  9*.^  1685.  Our  Neighbour  Gemaliel 
Wait  eating  his  Breakfast  well,  went  to  do  something  in 
his  Orchard,  where  Serj!^  Pell  dwells,  there  found  him  Self 
not  well  and  went  into  Pell's  his  Tenant's  House,  and  there 
dyed  extream  suddenly  about  Noon,  and  then  was  carried 
home  in  a  Chair,  and  means  used  to  fetch  him  again,  but 
in  vain  :  To  the  Children  startled  about  him  he  said,  here 
is  a  sudden  Change,  or  there  will  be  a  great  Change,  to 
that  purpose.  Was  about  87  years  old,  and  yet  strong 
and  hearty  :  had  lately  several  new  Teeth.  People  in  the 
Street  much  Startled  at  this  good  Man's  sudden  Death. 
Govy  Hinkley  sent  for  me  to  Mr.  Rawson's  just  as  they 
were  sending  a  great  Chair  to  carry  him  home. 

Satterday,  Decf  12,  '85.  Father  Wait  buried  :  Magis- 
trates and  Ministers  had  Gloves.  There  heard  of  the 
Death  of  Capt.  Hutchinson's  Child  by  Convulsions,  and 
so  pass  to  the  Funeral  of  little  Samuel  Hutchinson  about 
Six  weeks  old,  where  also  had  a  pair  of  Funeral  Gloves. 


I 


1685.]  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  Ill 

Peter  Butler  comes  in  this  day,  Several  have  had  the 
Small  Pocks ;  buried  a  Negro.  Several  very  green,  hardly 
recovered ;  among  whom  Nath!  Parkman  is  one.  Snowy 
day. 

Esther  Kein  at  her  Time,  falls  into  Convulsion  Fits,  and 
dyes  last  Thorsday:  No  likelihood  of  the  Child's  being 
born. 

Sabbath-day,  Decemby  13*.^  1685.  Mr.  Willard  baptizeth 
my  Son  lately  born,  whom  I  named  Henry  :  David  Stod- 
dard, the  son  of  Mr.  Simeon  Stoddard,  was  baptized  next, 
and  then  Several  other  grown  Children.  Nurse  Hill  came 
in  before  the  Psalm  was  Sung,  and  yet  the  Child  was  fine 
and  quiet :  Mr.  Willard  preached  from  John  15*?"  8. 
Herein  is  my  Father  glorified,  that  you  bear  much  Fruit, 
so  shall  ye  be  my  Disciples :  which  is  the  first  Sermon  my 
little  Son  hath  been  present  at. 

Monday,  Dec.  14.  County-Court  meets  about  Mr.  Ser- 
geant's Business  chiefly  :  Mr.  Shrimpton's  Letter  is  read  : 
but  'tis  not  agreed  on  to  proceed,  and  some  Heat,  the  Yote 
being  in  a  maiier  equal.  Mr.  Stoughton  and  Maj!"  Eich- 
ards  not  there.  Mr.  Shrimpton  pleads  that  he  has  full- 
filled  his  Father's  Will  dated  July  17*.^  One  Thousand  Six 
hundred  Sixty  and  Six  :  and  canot  submit  to  this  arbitrary 
way,  especially  the  Law  being  made  since  the  Dissolution 
of  the  Charter  of  this  Place.  Gov!"  seems  somewhat  reso- 
lute :  the  Court  Adjourned  till  Thorsday.  Something  of 
Bushnell,  the  Barber's,  relating  to  his  Estate  was  now  also 
done :  He  dyed  in  '67.  just  about  the  same  Time  Mr.  Wil- 
son did,  as  I  remember. 

This  Monday  a  Jury  is  sumond  who  sit  on  the  Body  of 
Joseph  Johnson,  and  the  verdict  they  find,  a  wound  an 
inch  or  2  above  his  Navel  which  they  judge  to  be  the 
'lause  of .  his  Death,  and  that  they  were  informed  James 
Morgan  did  it  with  a  Spit.  So  were  Sworn  in  Court 
Dec''  14.  1685.,  and  James  Morgan  ordered  to  have  Irons 
put  on  him.     He  comitted  the  Fact  last  Thorsday  night. 


112  DIAR2    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1685. 

Wednesday,  Dec.  16.  A  very  pleasant  Day  for  gather- 
ing the  Church  at  Dunstable,  and  Ordaining  Mr.  Thomas 
Weld. 

Thorsday,  Dec""  17*.^  Mr.  Mather  preacheth  from  Mat. 
16.,  former  part  of  the  25*:^  Yerse.  For  whosoever  will 
save  his  Life  shall  Lose  it.  At  County-Court  nothing 
done  in  Mr.  Sergeant's  Business  :  So  he  makes  a  Speech 
when  the  Court  open,  that  if  the  Court  did  nothing  they 
would  give  him  a  Record  of  it,  that  he  might  go  elsewhere 
for  he  would  not  be  kept  out  of  's  Money  ;  speaking 
warmly. 

Mr.  Francis  Stepney,  the  Dancing  Master,  desired  a 
Jury,  so  He  and  Mr.  Shrimpton  Bound  in  50£  to  JanT 
Court.  Said  Stepney  is  ordered  not  to  keep  a  Dancing 
School ;  if  he  does  will  be  taken  in  contempt  and  be  pro- 
ceeded with  accordingly.  Mr.  Shrimpton  muttered,  saying 
he  took  it  as  a  great  favour  that  the  Court  would  take  his 
Bond  for  £50.^ 

Sabbath,  Dec^  13. 1685.  Jn^  Maryon,  the  Father,  faints 
in  the  Old  Meetinghouse,  in  time  of  Worship,  which  ob- 
structs Mr.  Allen,  and  makes  considerable  disturbance. 

Decy  17.  One  Trescot,  an  ancient  woman  of  Dorches- 
ter, riding  over  the  Neck,  Tide  being  high,  her  Horse 
drowned  and  she  hardly  saved  :  questioned  whether  she 
may  live  or  no.  This  night  Little  Hull  hath  a  Convulsion 
Fit,  as  he  lay  with  me  in  Bed.     Henry  very  restless. 

Friday,  Decemb!"   18,  1685.     Father  John  Odlin,^  one 

1  Francis  Stepney  —  auspicious  name  for  one  of  his  profession  —  seems 
not  to  have  been  successful  here.  He  is  entered  on  the  town  book  of  per- 
sons not  admitted  to  citizenship,  as  follows:  "  1685,  Sept.  24.  Francis  Step- 
ney at  Jno.  Birge,  Dancinge  Master."  As  his  name  is  not  on  the  very  full 
tax-lists  of  1687  and  1688,  he  probably  took  no  root  here.  — Eds. 

2  John  Odlin  was  one  of  four  survivors  of  the  earliest  inhabitants  of 
Boston,  who  testified  before  Sewall  himself,  June  10,  1684,  as  to  the  pur- 
chase, *'  in  or  about  1634,"  of  the  peninsula  of  Boston  from  William  Blaxton. 
Odlin  said  he  was  eighty-two  years  old  when  he  gave  this  testimony  The 
three  others  were  respectively  seventy-eight,  seventy-six,  and  sixty-eight. 
See  Mass.  Hist.  Soc.  Coll.,  2d  S.,  IV.  203.  — Eds.       '  . 


1685.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  113 

of  the  very  first  Inhabitants  of  Boston,  dies  ;  know  not  of 
above  one  more  besides  the  Governour  [Bradstreet]. 

Satterday,  Dec'^  19*.l^  Father  Jn^  Odhn  buried  in  the 
first  Burying  place  [corner  of  Tremont  and  School  Streets] 
as  father  Wait  the  Satterday  before. 

Friday  Dec.  18.  Begun  in  Course  to  read  the  New- 
Testament,  having  ended  the  Revelation  the  night 
before. 

Satterday  Dec.  19.  Mr.  Willard  Prayes  with  my  little 
Henry,  being  very  ill. 

Sabbath-day,  Dec.  20.  Send  Notes  to  Mr.  Willard  and 
Mr.  Moodey  to  pray  for  my  Child  Henry. ^ 

Monday,  about  four  in  the  Morn  the  faint  and  moaning 
noise  of  my  child  forces  me  up  to  pray  for  it. 

21.  Monday  even  Mr.  Moodey  calls.  I  get  him  to  go 
up  and  Pray  with  my  extream  sick  Son. 

Tuesday  Morn,  Dec.  22.  Child  makes  no  noise  save  by 
a  kind  of  snoaring  as  it  breathed,  and  as  it  were  slept. 

Read  the  16^.*"  of  the  first  Chron.  in  the  family.  Having 
read  to  my  Wife  and  Nurse  out  of  John :  the  fourteenth 
Chapter  fell  now  in  course,  which  I  read  and  went  to 
Prayer :  By  that  time  had  done,  could  hear  little  Breath- 
ing, and  so  about  Sun-rise,  or  little  after,  he  fell  asleep,  I 
hope  in  Jesus,  and  that  a  Mansion  was  ready  for  him  in 
the  Father's  House.  Died  in  Nurse  Hill's  Lap.  Nurse 
Hill  washes  and  layes  him  out :  because  our  private  Meet- 
ing hath  a  day  of  Prayer  tomorrow,  Thorsday  Mr.  Wil- 
lard's  Lecture,  and  the  Child  dying  after  Sunrise  (wether 
cloudy),  have  determined  to  bury  on  Thorsday  after  Lec- 
ture. The  Lord  sanctify  his  Dispensation,  and  prepare  me 
and  mine  for  the  coming  of  oar  Lord,  in  whatsoever  way 
it  be.  Mr.  Tho.  Qakes  our  Physician  for  this  Child.  Read 
the  16*^  Chap,  of  the  First  Chronicles  in  the  Family. 


^  Parts  of  the  family  worshipped  in  the  Old,  or  First,  Church ;  and  others, 
with  Sewall,  in  the  Third,  or  Soiitli.  —  Eds. 

8 


114:  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1685 

Tuesday  night  read  the  15t^  Jn^  in  the  Chamber,  out  of 
which  Mr.  Willard  took  his  Text  the  day  Henry  was  bap- 
tized: in  the  Family,  the  3?  of  Matthew,  both  requiring 
Fruit. 

Wednesday,  Dec.  23.  Go  to  the  privat  Fast  at  Brother 
Wilhams's.  Capt.  Scottow  begins  and  is  enlarged  and  fer- 
vent in  praying  for  the  Church  and  Christ's  Witnesses : 
Made  me  conclude.  Sung  part  137.  Ps.  But  if  I  Jeru- 
salem, &c.  Just  before  I  went,  Brother  Longfellow  came 
in,  which  was  some  exercise  to  me,  he  being  so  ill  condi- 
tioned and  so  outwardly  shabby.  The  Lord  humble  me. 
As  I  remember,  he  came  so  before ;  either  upon  the 
funeral  of  my  Father  or  Johny. 

Thorsday,  Dec!"  24*^  1685.  We  follow  Little  Henry  to 
his  Grave :  Governour  and  Magistrates  of  the  County 
here,  8  in  all,  beside  my  Self,  Eight  Ministers,  and  Sev- 
eral Persons  of  note.  Mr.  Phillips  of  Rowley  here.  I  led 
Sam.,  then  Cous.  Savage  led  Mother,  and  Cousin  Dunier 
led  Cous.  Quinsey's  wife,  he  not  well.  Midwife  Weeden 
and  Nurse  Hill  carried  the  Corps  by  turns,  and  so  by  Men 
in  its  Chesnut  Coffin  'twas  set  into  a  Grave  (The  Tomb 
full  of  water)  between  4  and  5.  At  Lecture  the  21.  Psalm 
was  Sung  from  8*:^  to  the  end.  The  Lord  humble  me 
kindly  in  respect  of  all  my  Enmity  against  Him,  and  let 
his  breaking  my  Image  in  my  Son  be  a  means  of  it.  Con- 
siderable snow  this  night.  At  night  little  Hull  had  a  sore 
Convulsion  Fit. 

Friday-morn  Dec.  25.  had  another;  Wave  upon  Wave. 
Mr.  Phillips  Prayes  with  Hullie.  Receive  Newes  this  25^^ 
Dec.  that  Bro!"  St.  Sewall  hath  a  Son. 

Dec.  25.  Friday.  Carts  come  to  Town  and  Shops  open 
as  is  usual.  Some  somehow  observe  the  day;  but  are 
vexed  I  believe  that  the  Body  of  the  People  profane  it, 
and  blessed  be  God  no  Authority  yet  to  compell  them  to 
keep  it.  A  great  Snow  fell  last  night  so  this  day  and 
night  very  cold. 


168|.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  115 

Satterday,  Dec.  26.  Dreamed  last  night  of  Mr.  Chaun- 
cy.  the  President,  and  of  Sam.  Danforth. 

Dec.  27.  Dr.  Oakes  had  like  to  have  had  his  little  Son 
killed  with  the  Jack's  falling  almost  on  top  of  's  head. 
Upon  which  was  hastily  called  out  as  the  Psalm  was  Sing- 
ing after  the  Lord's  Super. 

Dec.  28.  Cous.  Fissenden  here,  Saith  he  came  for  Skins 
last  Friday,  and  [there]  was  less  Christmas-keeping  than 
last  year,  fewer  Shops  Shut  up. 

Dec.  30*^  An  Indian  Man  is  found  dead  on  the  Neck 
with  a  Bottle  of  Rum  between  his  Legs.  Fast  at  Charles- 
town  this  day.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  Preaches  forenoon, 
mentions  the  Notion  Mede  has  about  America's  Peopling. 
Mr.  Moodey  preaches  Afternoon  excellently.  Hull  (as 
supose)  hath  a  sore  fit  in  the  night;  but  I  asleep,  and  find 
it  by  the  Effects. 

Dec.  31.  Mr.  Allen  preaches  from  2  Tim.  2.  19.  Saith 
should  pray  for  the  Natives  that  they  may  name  Christ. 
Spoke  against  Observing  the  25.  Instant,  called  it  Anti- 
christian  Heresie :  Spoke  against  the  Name.  Canker 
began  in  the  Tongue. 

Satterday,  Janf  2!^  [l^^f]  Last  night  had  a  very  un- 
usual Dream ;  viz.  That  our  Saviour  in  the  dayes  of  his 
Flesh  when  upon  Earth,  came  to  Boston  and  abode  here 
sometime,  and  moreover  that  He  Lodged  in  that  time  at 
Father  Hull's ;  upon  which  in  my  Dream  had  two  Reflec- 
tions, One  was  how  much  more  Boston  had  to  say  than 
Rome  boasting  of  Peter's  being  there.  The  other  a  sense 
of  great  Respect  that  I  ought  to  have  shewed  Father  Hull 
since  Christ  chose  when  in  Town,  to  take  up  His  Quarters 
at  his  House.  Admired  the  goodness  and  Wisdom  of 
Christ  in  coming  hither  and  spending  some  part  of  His 
short  Life  here.  The  Chronological  absurdity  never  came 
into  my  mind,  as  I  remember.  JanT  1.  168 1  finished 
reading  the  Godly  Learned  ingenious  Pare  us  on  the 
Revelation. 


116  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [168| 

Satterdajj  Jan^  2.  discoursed  with  Ralf  Carter  about 
Lignum  Vitae.  He  saith  thinks  'tis  found  no  where  but 
in  America,  there  a  common  Wood  at  Antego  and  other 
places.     Is  physical  [medicinal]. 

January  5^.1'  The  Infant  exposed  the  beginning  of  the 
winter,  is  buried  this  Day.  Mr.  Moodey  and  his  wife  visit 
us  after  the  Catechising.     He  full  of  great  pain. 

Thorsday,  Jany  7*.^  Mr.  Moodey  preached  excellently 
from  those  words,  Ye  are  my  Friends  if  ye  do  what  I 
command  you :  Exhorted  not  to  disown  Christ  when  in 
adversity,  i.e.  his  Members  in  a  low  Condition.  A  very 
blustering,  snowy  day  that  hindered  many  from  going  to 
Meeting,  which  took  special  notice  of  in  Prayer;  and 
God's  letting  us  stand  another  year  in  His  Vineyard.  At 
his  lecture  this  day  twelvemonth  we  had  the  newes  of  our 
Charter's  being  condemned,  just  as  going  to  Meeting. 
Some  coming  over  the  Neck  to  day,  had  much  ado  to  find 
the  way. 

Satterday,  Jan''  9*-  A  very  great  Storm  of  Snow  and 
Wind.  Mr.  Tho.  Oakes  here,  who  tells  me  there  is  news 
come  to  Town  of  the  French  King's  Death. 

Sabbath-day  Afternoon.  My  Wife  goes  to  Meeting,  which 
is  the  first  time  since  her  Lying-in. 

Tuesday,  January  12.  I  dine  at  the  Governour's  :  where 
Mr.  \Vest,  Governour  of  Carolina,  Capt.  Black  well,  his  Wife 
and  Daughter,  Mr.  Morgan,  his  Wife  and  Daughter,  Mrs. 
Brown,  Mr.  Eliakim  Hutchinson,  and  Wife,  Mr.  Peter 
Sergeant,  and  Wife,  Mr.  Secretary,  and  S.  S.  Mrs.  Mercy 
sat  not  down,  but  came  in  after  dinner  well  dressed  and 
saluted  the  two  Daughters.  Madam  Brad  street  and  Black- 
well  sat  at  the  upper  end  together,  Governour  at  the  lower 
end.  I  sat  next  Mis  Frances,  Capt.  Blackwell's  Daughter. 
After  Dinner  Madam  Blackwell  Swowned,  or  very  ill,  so 
was  lead  into  the  Chamber. 

Wednesday,  Janl' 13-^  very  cold  day.  Meeting  at  Brother 
Allen's :  I  speak  from  Eph.  4.  3. 


I 


168|.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  117 

Thorsday  exceeding  cold  :  Mr.  Jn?  Bayly  preaches  the 
Lecture  for  Mr.  Mather  from  Eccles.  9.  10.  Whatsoever 
thy  hand,  &c.  After  Lecture  the  Court  sat,  and  adjourned 
till  Tuesday  1.  aclock,  to  hear  Mr.  Shrimp  ton's  Case,  i.  e. 
Mr.  Sergeant's  Complaint  against  him  J  Mr.  Shrimp  ton 
resolves  to  appeal  to  the  Court  of  Assistants  upon  the 
Pleas  he  hath  made.  Mr.  Stoughton,  Dudley,  and  Mr. 
Thomas  call'd.  here  ;  their  Horses  all  broke  away,  and 
fain  to  run  beyond  Capt.  Frary's  before  any  had  stopt,  it 
being  night  and  excessive  cold. 

Satterday,  January  16.  Notwithstanding  the  three  very 
severe  Nights  last  past  and  Snow  in  abundance  lately  fallen, 
yet,  by  reason  of  the  Spring  Tides,  and  wind  2  of  the  nights, 
the  Harbour  remains  fairly  open,  and  the  Chanel  between 
the  Castle  and  Dorchester  Neck  ;  though  much  loose  Ice 
floating  up  and  down.  Isaiah  Tay  told  me  yesterday,  that 
the  17^"  January  last  year  he  went  on  the  Ice  to  the 
Castle,  and  Nine  hundred  were  told  by  their  Company 
going  and  coming  on  the  Ice,  and  at  the  Hand. 

Sabbathday,  JanF  17-  168|.  Rain  and  Thaw  all  day. 
This  day  Mr.  Willard  begins  to  preach  upon  the  11*^  of 
the  Hebrews.     Faith  is  the  substance,  &c. 

Wendnesday  Jan^  20*-^  Went  to  Dorchester  Lecture. 
Mr.  Danforth  preached  from  Rev.  22.  17.  Said  that 
Chapter  treated  of  Heaven,  that  Christ  dy'd  for  Man- 
kind. 

On  Tuesday  last  the  Court  sat,  and  as  it  fell  out,  1  was 
not  there.  Agitation  was  about  Mr.  Shrimpton's  Business. 
2  pro.  2  con.  of  those  that  pretended  to  vote  ;  Mr.  Adding- 
ton  knew  not  what  to  enter.  Governour,  Mr.  Stoughton 
and  Dudley  went  away  thinking  the  Court  ended  ;  'tis  said 
Mr.  Davie  gon  also  but  called  back,  and  he  Mr.  Cook  and 
C.  Hutchinson  adjourned  the  Court  to  the  Governour's 
that  evening,  and  from  thence  'twas   adjourned  to    the 

1  See,  on  this  case,  General  Sumner's  History  of  EastlBoston.  —  Eds 


118  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [168{ 

Town-House  on  Thursday  after  Lecture,  Jany  21.  Was 
very  hot  discourse  about  the  irregular  pretended  Adjourn- 
ment of  the  Court.  Mr.  Stoughton  and  Dudley  fell  espe- 
cially on  Mr.  Cook.  After  much  hot  Dispute  nothing  at 
last  done  as  I  know.  Mr.  Stoughton  argued  the  new  Law 
was  not  determinal  and  so  worth  nothing  :  and  that  the 
Ordinary  could  not  act  after  an  Award  and  mutual  agree- 
ment as  was  produced  in  this  case :  must  be  relieved  by 
some  Superiour  Court,  as  Chauncery.  Thus  the  symptoms 
of  Death  are  on  us.  This  morn  about  5,  Hull  had  a  Fit, 
Mr.  Willard  preached  excellently  from  Buy  the  Truth. 
Must  have  a  care  of  being  cheated,  our  Natures  encline  to 
falshood.  Must  not  take  Great  Men,  Rulers,  for  our  Eule, 
but  the  written  Word  of  God.  Must  have  no  man's  per- 
son in  admiration.    Mr.  Stoughton  and  Dudley  called  here. 

It  seems  Mr.  Hubbard's  Son  of  Long  Hand,  presented  a 
Gun  at  his  Sister  and  it  went  off  and  killed  her.  Cous. 
Fissenden  tells  me  there  is  a  Maid  at  Woburn  who  'tis 
feared  is  Possessed  by  an  evil  Spirit.  Mr.  Eliot  not  at 
Lecture  Jany  21.  which  I  think  is  the  S"?  day  of  his 
absence. 

Friday,  Jany  22.  Hull  hath  another  Fit  about  5  or  6 
mmie,  and  is  extream  ill  after  it.  Mr.  Willard  prays  with 
him  in  the  Even,  Capt.  Scottow  present. 

Friday,  January  22.  Joseph  Eedknap  of  Lin  buried, 
being  about  110  years  old  :  was  a  Wine-Cooper  in  London, 
was  about  30  years  old  at  the  Great  Frost.  Ralph  King 
teste? 

Sabbath,  Jan""  24.  Friday  night  and  Satterday  were 
extream  cold,  so  that  the  Harbour  frozen  up,  and  to  the 
Castle.  This  day  so  cold  that  the  Sacramental  Bread  is 
frozen  pretty  hard,  and  rattles  sadly  as  broken  into  the 
Plates. 

Monday,  JanT  25.     I  call  in  Andrew  Gardiner  and  de- 

1  Here  is  a  case  for  Mr.  Thom  to  investigate,  in  his  researches  on  "  Lon- 
gevity."—  Eds. 


1685.]  DIARY    OF    SA^yiUEL    SEWALL.  119 

liver  him  his  Commission  for  Ensign,  he  disabling  himself, 
I  tell  him  he  must  endeavour  to  get  David's  heart ;  and 
that  with  his  stature  will  make  a  very  good  Ensign.  Capt. 
Scottow  present,  to  whom  have  lent  my  Gr.  Testament, 
and  Governor  Pen.  Mrs.  Harris  and  Baker  present  their 
mutual  offences  against  each  other  as  to  their  seating  [in 
Cambridge  Meeting-house],  before  Mr.  Willard  and  the 
Overseers. 

Tuesday,  Janf  26.  Walked  with  Isaac  Goose  and  Cous. 
Quinsey  :  though  the  Snow  extream  deep  by  reason  of  this 
day's  snow  and  what  was  before,  yet  had  a  very  comfort- 
able night.  Nehemiah  Perce's  Wife  is  brought  to  bed  of 
a  Daughter. 

Wednesday,  JanT  27.  Peter  Butler  is  Non-suited  in 
suing  for  his  500  £  Legacy,  at  which  I  doubt  Mr.  Nowell 
and  his  wife  grieved.^  Is  talk  of  a  Ship  below  and  some 
think  it  may  be  Jenner  from  London. 

Thorsday,  January  28.  Mr.  Jenner  having  lodged  at 
Capt.  Clap's  last  night,  with  Mr.  Belcher  and  others,  come 
near  twenty  together  to  Serj*  Bull's  over  the  Ice  and 
bring  the  News  of  the  Rose  Frigot  ready  to  come  and 
bring  Mr.  Randolph,  who  is  to  be  Deputy  Governour, 
and  Mr.  Dudley  Governour.  Sheriff  Cornish  executed  [in 
London],  and  a  woman  burnt  about  the  [Popish]  Plot  and 
such  like  Treason.  The  Town  much  filled  with  this  dis- 
course. Jenner  came  from  He  Wight  the  13,  of  November. 
When  Mr.  Jenner  came  in  the  Magistrates  went  all  off  the 
Bench  to  hear  his  News  in  the  Lobby.  Mr.  Addington  also 
came  in.  Isa.  33.  17.  was  preached  from,  by  Mr.  Cotton 
Mather.  Thine  eyes  shall  see  the  King,  &c.  whoes  Sermon 
was  somewhat  disgusted  for  some  expressions ;  as,  sweet 
sented  hands  of  Christ,  Lord  High  Treasurer  of  Ethiopia, 

1  Peter  Butler,  Sr.,  of  Boston,  married  Maiy,  daughter  of  William  Alford. 
Slie  maiTied  secondly  (as  his  third  wife)  Hezekiah  Usher,  Sr.,  who  died 
May  14,  1676.  She  married  thirdly  Rev.  Samuel  Xowell,  of  Charlestown, 
and  outlived  him,  dying  a  widow,  Aug.  14,  1693.  —  Eds. 


120  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [168| 

Ribband  of  Humility  —  which  was  sorry  for,  because 
of  the  excellency  and  seasonableness  of  the  subject,  and 
otherwise  well  handled.  Doct.  'Tis  a  matchless  priviledg 
to  behold  Christ  in  his  Beauty.  Mr.  Eliot  not  at  Lecture. 
Mr.  Jenner  rumors  that  the  Oxford  Frigot  is  to  come  in 
the  Spring,  and  bring  a  Governour  from  England,  and 
that  one  Vincent,  Brother  to  the  Minister,  most  talked  of ; 
which  Mr.  Dudley  laughs  at. 

Friday,  Jan''  29*^^  Isaac  Goose  proves  his  Mother's  Will. 
Mr.  Belcher  dines  with  the  Court.  It  seems  there's  a  dis- 
course that  the  K.  should  motion  to  have  all  the  Negroes 
at  Jamaica  baptized.  Mr.  Francis  Stepney  has  his  Jury 
to  try  his  speaking  Blasphemous  Words ;  and  Reviling  the 
Government.    'Tis  referred  till  next  Tuesday. 

Sabbath,  Jan!'  31,  168 1.  125*.^  Psalm  Sung  by  us  in 
course  in  the  family.  They  that  trust  in  the  Lord,  &c.  In 
publick  mane  the  56*-  from  S*"^  verse,  ad  finem,  of  all 
my  wanderings,  &c.  Mr.  Willard  speaking  of  Faith, 
instanced  in  things  past  before  we  had  a  being,  and 
Things  to  be,  as  Destruction  of  the  Man  of  Sin.  Seemed 
very  much  concerned  for  God's  People.  Madam  Br. 
Usher  taken  into  the  first  Church,  and  Mr.  Royse 
taken  in  and  baptized  in  the  North  Church.  Gallant 
warm  thawing  weather. 

Feb.  1.  Nath.  Man  brings  me  a  Letter  wherein  am  told 
of  my  Brother  St?  Child's  Death  last  Friday  about  noon. 
Had  from  the  Satterday  before  till  then  more  than  200 
Fits. 

Feb.  1.  In  the  Afternoon  a  great  Cake  of  Ice  comes 
from  Cambridge-ward  and  jostles  away  the  Body  of  Ice 
that  lay  between  the  outward  Wharfs  and  Noddle's  Hand : 
so  now  our  Harbour  open  again. 

'  Feb.  2.  Several  Ships  Sail.  This  day  Return  Wait  is 
by  Sentence  of  Court  turned  out  of  his  Marshal's  Place, 
many  complaints  coming  against  him.  The  Persons  in- 
jured left  to  their  remedy  in  Law  against  him. 


I 


1(385.]  DIARY  OF  SAMUEL  SEWALL.  121 

Wednesday,  Feb.  3.  Mr.  Henry  Phillips  is  buried  with 
Arms,  he  having  been  an  Ensign  at  Dedham,  and  in  Boston 
several  years  of  Capt.  Oliver's  Company.  Capt.  Hutchin- 
son led  the  Souldiers,  his  and  Capt.  Townsend's  Company 
springing  of  said  Oliver's.  Capt.  Townsend  and  Capt.  Hill 
each  of  them  Trailed  a  Pike  :  were  about  24  Files,  4  deep. 
Snow  very  deep  ;  so  in  the  New-burial  Place  [Copp's  Hill], 
3  Paths,  2  for  the  2  Files  of  Souldiers,  middlemost  for  the 
Relations.  Edvv.  Cowel  and  Mr.  Winchcomb  go  before  the 
Governour.  Return  Wait  is  refused  though  I  see  he  was 
there.  About  eight  of  the  South-Company  there  attend- 
ing. Bearers,  Deacon  Eliot,  Saunderson,  Allen,  Bridgham, 
Frary,  and  Mr.  Chiever. 

Thorsday,  Feb.  4.  Francis  Stepney  fined  100£.  10£ 
down,  the  rest  respited  till  the  last  of  March,  that  so  might 
go  away  if  he  would.  He  appeals :  Mr.  Shrimpton  and 
Luscombe  his  Sureties.  Mr.  Moodey  preaches  from  Luke 
12.  4.  Especially  this  day  from  those  words.  My  Friends. 
Friday,  Feb.  5.  Fast  at  Cous.  Dummer's :  I  and  Mother 
there. 

Sabbath,  Febr.  7--  168 1.  Went  to  the  first  Meeting 
House  both  parts  of  the  day,  sat  down  there  at  the  Lord's 
Table.  Mr.  Moodey  preached  from  Isa.  12.  1.  beginning 
upon  that  Scripture  this  day  —  In  that  day  thou  shalt  say, 
&c.  Shewing  that  'twas  chiefly  a  Directory  of  Thanks- 
giving for  the  Conversion  of  the  Jews  ;  and  that  should 
get  our  Praises  ready  before  hand.  Very  warm  day,  and 
so  till  Wednesday  Feb.  10.,  when  Mr.  Willard  Preaches  at 
Maccartas  from  Rom.  8.  1.  Seems  very  sensible  of  the 
Countries  Danger  as  to  Changes. 

Febr.  12^.^     Ice  breaks  up  from  Gill's  Wharf. 

Febr.  13*-  Satterday,  pretty  well  clear  our  Dock  of  Ice 
by  a  Passage  Cut  open.  Shut  up  about  7  weeks.  Balston 
sails.  An  Indian  Squaw  died  on  the  Neck  last  night.  Mr. 
Eyre's  little  Son  dyed,  went  well  to  Bed  :  dyed  by  that  in 
the  Bed.     It  seems  there  is  no  Symptom  of  Overlaying. 


122  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [168|. 

Sabbath-day,  Febr.  14.  Little  Hull  speaks  Apple  plainly 
in  the  hearing  of  his  Grand-Mother  and  Eliza  Lane  ;  this 
the  first  word.  At  the  Burial  of  Mr.  Eyr's  Child,  Mr. 
Moodey  discoursed  of  the  grievous  spreading  of  the  Small 
Pocks  in,  and  round  about  Portsmouth,  at  Exeter,  &c. 

Tuesday,  Feb.  16.  168|.  Generall  Court  meets.  Dine 
3  times.  Is  a  discourse  this  day  of  a  strange  Beast  killed 
at  Middletown,  or  4  miles  off  that  place,  last  Dec,  10  foot 
long  his  Body,  10  foot  his  Tail,  as  tall  as  a  two  year  and 
vantage  Horse ;  Had  a  dead  Horse  and  two  Dear  lay  at  's 
Den,  and  Indians  waiting  for  him,  at  last  saw  him  coming 
with  another  in  's  Mouth,  as  a  Cat  carries  a  Mouse  almost. 
Indian  shot  him  down.  [Sewall  writes  in  the  margin  —  all 
untrue.]  Great  disorder  in  the  Town  by  Cock-skailing  : 
I  grant  2  warrants.  Tho.  Barnard  has  one,  and  James 
Barns  the  other,  whereby  several  Companies  broke  up  : 
but  for  want  of  a  Law  and  Agreement  shall  find  much 
ado  to  supress  it. 

Mr.  Eliot  at  Meeting  on  Lecture  day. 

The  Arrow  against  Dancing  comes  out.^ 

Friday  the  Court  adjourns  to  the  11^-^  of  May  on  the 
Conditions  of  former  Adjournment.  The  Law  about 
Wills  is  made  in  a  new  Edition.^  Some  Freemen  made, 
and  I  think  Sam.  Chekly  an  Ensign.  Order  for  a  Fast  to 
be  on  March  25.  1686.  Great  Heat  about  the  Libel,  and 
Mr.  Clark's  Fine  the  occasion  of  the  Discourse  at  this 
time. 

Satterday,  Febr.  20.  I  send  for  Edw.  Cowel  and  blame 
him  for  his  ill  carriage  at  Eichd.  White's  Wedding,  Dec. 
10.     He  denys  the  fact,  and  saith  he  came  not  nigh  her 

1  Probably  this  was  a  second  edition  of  the  pamphlet  noted  by  Sibley 
("Harvard  Graduates,"  pp.  445,  446),  "An  Arrow  against  Profane  and 
Promiscuous  Dancing.  Drawn  out  of  the  Quiver  of  the  Scriptures.  By  the 
Ministers  of  Christ  at  Boston  in  New  England.  Boston,  printed  by  Samuel 
Green  and  are  to  be  sold  by  Joseph  Brunning,  1684.  Sm.  8vo.  pp.  30."  It 
was  the  work  of  Increase  Mather.  —  Eds. 

2  This  law  is  in  the  printed  Records,  V.  508.  —  Eds. 


I 


168|.]  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL   SEWALL.  123 

(i.  e.  the  Bride)  and  stooped  down  only  to  take  up  his  Hat 
taken  off  in  the  Crowd. 

Wednesday,  Feb.  24.  Privat  Meeting  at  our  House : 
Mr.  Willard  preached  excellently  from  Act.  1.  7.  I  had 
pray'd  before,  privatly,  and  he  prayed  at  the  Meeting  in 
the  very  same  words,  that  God  w^ould  make  our  Houses 
Bethels.  Question  was,  How  shall  we  attend  known  Duty 
with  cheerf ullness  and  Constancy :  though  God  impart  not 
so  much  of  his  Counsel  to  us  as  we  could  desire  ?  Which 
Mr.  Willard  propounded  and  opened  excellently,  shewing 
the  reference  to  the  foregoing  and  following  verse,  as  was 
desired.     Many  People  present. 

Thorsday,  Feb.  25.  The  Law  about  Wills  and  Adminis- 
trations is  published ;  and  almost  as  soon  as  the  Drumm 
had  done  beating,  Mr.  Serj^  comes  with  his  Petition :  and 
an  order  is  made  for  a  Hearing  next  Monday,  3  weeks, 
the  22^  of  March :  some  would  have  had  it  sooner,  and 
Mr.  Nowel  and  Self  thought  it  very  indecent  that  it  was 
so  'soon,  especially  considering,  the  Order  made  upon  a 
Law  scarce  yet  out  of  the  Marshal's  Mouth. 

Mr.  Jn°  Winchcombe  is  made  Marshal  of  Suffolke,  his 
Oath  is  given  him ;  and  the  Marshal  Generall  declares  it. 
Very  rainy  fore-noon,  and  dark  most  part  of  the  day. 

Sabbath-day,  Feb.  28.  A  Jury  is  summoned  to  sit  upon 
the  Body  of  Sarah,  the  Daughter  of  Henry  and  Mary 
Flood,  about  13  weeks  old,  for  that  said  Mary  was  sus- 
pected of  Murder.  So  now  3  in  Prison  for  suspected 
Murder. 

Tuesday,  March  2.  Brother  St.  and  Wife  visit  us.  Mr. 
Chickly  is  cast  in  his  Attaint.  Morgan,  Indian  and  Flood 
put  upon  Tryal. 

Wednesday,  March  3*?  James  Morgan  is  brought  in 
guilty  by  the  Jury,  Sam!  Phips  Fore-Man.  Mr.  Wyllys 
cast  by  Anna  Haugh,  as  to  Haugh's  Farm.  Mr.  Stough- 
ton  calls  at  night  and  shews  me  the  Names  of  the  Persons 
in  the  Commission,  telling  me  that  a  Copy  of  the  Commis- 


124  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [168|. 

sion  is  come  to  Town.  Comes  by  Eldridge,  who  bore 
away  to  Montserrat.  The  Address  sent  to  his  present 
Majesty,  is  sent  back  to  Mr.  Dudley  by  Mr.  Hmnphrys. 
Sabbath-day,  or  Monday,  we  hear  of  the  Death  of  Abel 
Porter  and  above  60  more,  going  from  Scotland  to  Pensil- 
vania.  Tuesday,  March  2,  hear  of  the  Death  of  Jeremiah 
Green  at  Salt  Taboodas  [Tortugas]  ;  was  a  hopefull  young 
Shipmaster,  Mr.  Nathaniel's  Son. 

Thorsday,  March  4.  Mr.  Moodey  preaches.  After  Lec- 
ture, James  Morgan  is  condemned  to  dye :  He  said  was 
murdered  ;  but  spake  not  of  Appealing,  which  I  expected 
he  might. 

Friday  5.  Joseph  Indian  is  acquitted.  James  Morgan 
is  sent  to,  and  acquainted  that  he  must  dye  next  Thors- 
day, and  ordered  that  Mr.  Mather  be  acquainted  with  it 
who  is  to  preach  the  Lecture.  Note.  Mr.  Stoughton  and 
Dudley  voted  not  in  the  Judgment,  and  w^ent  off  the 
Bench  when  Sentence  was  to  be  passed.  Major  Richards 
slid  off  too.  Judgment  was  voted  at  George  Monk's  be- 
fore rose  from  Table,  on  Thorsday. 

Friday,  March  5.  Capt.  Clap's  Son,  a  very  desirable 
Man  and  Gunner  of  the  Castle,  though  Mr.  Baxter  hath  the 
name,  at  the  Castle  Hand  hath  one  of  his  eyes  shott  out, 
and  a  piece  of  his  Scull  taken  away  by  the  accidental 
firing  of  a  Gun  as  he  was  going  a  fowling. 

Satterday,  March  6.  James  Morgan  sends  a  Petition 
by  one  Vaughan,  signed  with  said  Morgan's  own  hand, 
wherein  he  acknowledges  his  own  sinfull  Life,  the  justness 
of  the  Court's  Sentence  ;  and  desires  longer  time  to  live, 
but  'tis  not  granted. 

Sabbath-day,  March  7'.^  P.M.  Capt.  Clap  hath  a  Bill 
put  up,  wherein  he  desires  Prayers  that  the  untimely 
death  of  's  Son  may  be  sanctify ed  to  him  ;  dyed  this  day. 

Monday,  March  8^.^  168|.  Anniversary  Town-Meeting: 
Select-Men  as  last  year;  Mr.  Cooke,  Hutchinson,  Joyliff, 
Prout,  Frary,  Allin,  Fayerwether,  Wyllys,  Turell.     Mr. 


168f.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  125 

Hutchinson  had  86  Yotes,  which  were  the  most :  Capt. 
Frary  82.  Constables ;  W"  Sumner  90.  votes,  the  high- 
est ;  Jabez  Negus,  W™  Rawson,  Isaiah  Tay,  Tho.  Adkins, 
Henry  Ernes,  Joshua  Windsor  51.  Saml  Marshall  37., 
being  chosen  after  the  refusal  of  Joseph  Parson,  Edw. 
Bromfield,  Benj.  Alford,  Humphry  Luscombe,  which  1 
last  fined.  Mr.  Wyllys  chosen  Treasurer  by  the  Town, 
and  Mr.  Joyliff  Recorder.  Meeting  very  comfortably 
held,  being  not  so  full  as  sometimes,  and  not  such  conten- 
tion about  Priviledges.  Mr.  No  well  begun  with  Prayer, 
and  I,  by  mere  accident  being  left,  was  fain  to  conclude. 
7.  Sworn  by  Major  Richards  same  day,  viz  :  all  save  Isaiah 
Tay.  The  Governour  seems  to  mention  it  with  some  con- 
cernment that  the  18,  said  to  be  of  the  Commission  are 
publickly  to  be  seen  at  the  Notaries  ;  so  there  is  a  Nom- 
ination before  we  put  in  votes. 

Tuesday,  March  9*^  168|.  Supply  Clap,  Guiier  of  the 
Castle,  is  buried  at  Dorchester  by  the  Castle-Company 
about  Noon ;  after  the  Yollies  there.  Several  great  Guns 
were  fired  at  the  Castle ;  both  heard  by  the  Town. 

Mr.  Tho.  Kay  our  Maid's  Father,  dyes  about  8.  or  9. 
aclock.  An  Order  is  given  for  the  Execution  of  Morgan 
next  Thorsday ;  which  the  Marshal  Generall  acquaints 
him  with. 

Court  sits,  so  the  Votes  for  Nomination  are  put  in,  in 
the  other  Room.     Dine  5  times. 

Note.  Wednesday  Morn  about  5.  aclock,  little  Hull  hath 
a  Convulsion  Fit  in  Bed.  March  10*.^  About  8.  aclock  this 
evening  Father  Abel  Porter  dyeth.  Mr.  Kay  buried  this 
day.     Robert  Orchard  comes  to  town. 

Thorsday,  March  11.  Persons  crowd  mcich  into  the  Old 
Meeting-House  by  reason  of  James  Morgan  ; '  and  before 
I  got  thether  a  crazed  woman  cryed  the  Gallery  or  Meet- 

1  According  to  custom,  a  condemned  culprit  was  brought  to  the  meeting- 
house to  be  made  the  subject  of  discourse,  on  the  Sunday  preceding  hi8 
execution,  or  at  the  Thursday  Lecture.  —  Eds. 


126  DIAKY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [168| 

inghouse  broke,  which  made  the  People  rush  out  with 
great  Consternation,  a  great  part  of  them,  but  were  seated 
again.  However,  Mr.  Eliot,  the  Father,  speaks  to  me  that 
I  would  go  with  him  back  to  the  Governour,  and  speak 
that  the  Meeting  might  be  held  in  our  Meeting-House  [the 
South]  for  fear  of  the  worst.  Deputy  Governour  for- 
warded it,  so  Governour  proceeded,  met  Mr.  Mather, 
paused  a  little  and  then  went  to  our  House,  the  stream 
of  People  presently  following  and  deserting  the  Old : 
first  part  of  the  61.  Ps.  Sung.  Mr.  Mather's  Text  was 
from  Num.  35.  16.  And  if  he  smite  him  with  an  Instru- 
ment of  Iron,  &c.  Saw  not  Mr.  Dudley  at  Meeting,  nor 
Court ;  suppose  he  might  not  be  in  Town.  Mr.  Stoughton 
here.  Morgan  was  turn'd  off  about  ^  an  hour  past  five. 
The  day  very  comfortable,  but  now  9.  aclock  rains  and 
has  done  a  good  while. 

Know  not  whether  the  mad  woman  said  the  House  fell, 
or  whether  her  beating  women  made  them  scream,  and  so 
those  afar  off,  not  knowing  the  cause,  took  it  to  be  that ; 
but  the  effect  was  as  before  ;  and  I  was  told  by  several  as 
I  went  along,  that  one  Gallery  in  the  old  Meetinghouse 
was  broken  down.  The  mad  woman  was  the  Daughter  of 
Goodm.  Bishop,  master  of  Morgan.  She  went  in  at  the 
Southwest  Dore,  beat  the  women,  they  fled  from  her :  they 
above  supposed  they  fled  from  under  the  falling  Gallery. 
Mr.  Cotton  Mather  accompanied  James  Morgan  to  the 
place  of  Execution,  and  prayed  with  him  there.^ 

Friday,  March  12.  Father  Porter  laid  in  the  Old  Ceme- 
tery ;  is  acknowledged  by  all  to  have  been  a  great  Man  in 
Prayer.     A  very  winterly  day  by  which  means  many  hin- 

^  Concerning  this  execution  of  Morgan,  Dunton  has  much  to  say  in  his 
letters  from  New  England.  Dunton  visited  Morgan  while  under  sentence, 
and  prints  his  dying  speech.  He  also  gives  abstracts  of  the  three  sermons 
preached ;  one  by  Cotton  Mather  (the  first  of  his  three  hundred  and  eighty- 
three  publications),  and  one  by  Joshua  Moodey,  on  the  Sunday  preceding 
the  execution.  The  third  was  by  Increase  Mather  on  the  Thursday  of  the 
execution.     All  are  in  print.  — Eds. 


168|.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  127 

dered  from  coining  to  the  Funeral.  I  perceive  there  is  a 
considerable  disgust  taken  at  the  use  of  our  House  yester- 
day. 

Sabbathday.  Mr.  Jn°  Bolt,  and  Jn°  Nichols  are  received 
into  our  Church.  Mr.  Bolt  mentioned  profan  Courses  he 
had  been  entangled  in  after  Conviction.  Relations  of  both 
well  accepted,  being  such  as  gave  good  hope. 

Monday,  March  15^.^.  Mr.  Wigglesworth  here,  speaks 
about  a  Council  respecting  Mr.  Thomas  Chiever. 

Tuesday,  March  16.  168 1.  Went  to  Muddy-River  and 
met  with  the  Deputy  Governour  to  adjust  the  matter  of 
fencing  :  measured  from  a  Stake  by  the  Crick  16  Rods 
Marsh,  then  Upland  40,  40,  52.  which  reached  a  little 
above  the  Dam,  then  guess'd  that  might  be  16  Rods  to 
16  the  beginning  of  the  Ditch.  Then  measured  from  the 
40  Dam  to  about  a  Rod  below  an  Elm  growing  to  Boston- 
f^  side  of  the  Fence,  which  accounted  the  middle :  Dep- 
"^  uty  Governour  to  fence  thence  upward  above  the  Dam 
*  ^^  16  Rod  to  the  Ditch  :  Simon  Gates  to  fence  downwards 
to  the  Stake  by  the  Crick  where  by  consent  we  began. 
Had  a  good  Dinner  at  Simon's ;  Capt.  Scottow  accom- 
panied me.  Deputy  Governour  expressed  willingness 
for  Simon  and  his  Wife  to  go  on  foot  to  Cambridge 
Church  directly  throw  his  Ground. 

When  came  home,  found  all  well ;  but  they  told  me  the 
Small  Pox  was  in  Town,  one  that  came  in  Peter  Butler 
being  sick  of  it  at  one  Wolf's,  whos  House  stands  on  some 
part  of  Capt.  Oliver's  Land,  in  the  Town-House-Street. 

Wednesday,  March  17.  168f.  Little  Hull  had  a  Sore 
Convulsion  between  5.  and  6.  a  little  after  his  Mother  and 
I  gon  to  our  privat  Meeting.  A  cry  of  Fire  this  night  but 
not  one  House  burnt  quite  down  ;  'twas  Bachelour  White's 
that  fell  on  fire  thereabouts  where  Mr.  Sanford  dwell'd. 

Generall  Court  on  Adjournment  Febr.  16.  1685.  Pub- 
lick  Fast.  This  Court  considering  how  apparent  the 
threatening  Hand  of  God  is,  by  reason  of  the  spreading 


128  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [168fi 

of  that  infectious  Disease  of  the  Small  Pox  in  some  Towns 
in  the  Countrey;  (Portsmouth,  Exeter.) ;  together  with 
other  Evils  impending  our  selves  and  the  Churches  of 
Christ  abroad,  as  also  the  more  than  ordinary  severity 
of  the  Winter,  and  the  Loss  of  many  of  our  Cattell  occa- 
sioned thereby :  ^  Have  appointed  the  25*^  Day  of  March 
next  to  be  kept  as  a  Day  of  Solemn  Humiliation  and 
Prayer  throughout  this  Colony ;  That  we  may  obtain  Fa- 
vour from  God  for  the  diverting  these  Tokens  of  his 
Anger,  and  his  Smiles  towards  us  in  the  Spring  and  Seed- 
Time  approaching :  And  to  this  end  do  recommend  it  to 
the  Elders  and  Ministers  of  the  respective  Churches,  to 
promote  this  work  on  the  said  day ;  forbidding  Servile 
Labour  to  all  People  within  this  Jurisdiction,  thereon. 

Edw.  Rawson  Seer*. 

Monday,  March  22.  168|.  Went  to  Braintrey,  viewed 
Abbies  Farm,  and  treated  with  Jonathan  Paddleford  about 
Letting  of  it  to  him  :  Lodged  in  the  Lower  Room  of  Unkle 
Quinsey's  new  House. 

Tuesday,  March  23.  Went  and  run  the  Line  between 
us  and  Tho.  Faxon  :  and  between  us  and  Jn^  French,  the 
Father ;  came  home  in  Company  Ephr.  and  Jn"^  Hunt ; 
found  all  well ;  but  hear  of  the  sad  consequences  of  yes- 
terday's County-Court,  Mr.  Shrimpton's  saying  there  was 
no  Governour  and  Company.  Heat  between  the  Members 
of  the  Court.  I  can't  yet  understand  that  Mr.  Nowell, 
Cook,  or  Hutchinson  were  there.  Some  are  much  offended 
that  Mr.  Shrimp  ton  was  not  sent  to  Prison. 

Fast-day,  March  25,  1686.  Mr.  Willard  exerciseth  all 
day,  Mr.  Bayly  being  constrained  to  keep  house  by  reason 
of  the  Gout.  Tho.  Hollinsworth,  sick  of  the  Small  Pocks, 
prayed  for. 

1  The  special  and  emphatic  statements  of  the  reasons  for  a  day  of  peni- 
tential observance,  as  so  distinctly  presented  in  this  proclamation,  illustrate 
what  is  affirmed  in  a  previous  note.  — Ens. 


I 


1686]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  129 

Friday,  March  26,  1686.  Court  of  Assistants.  Go  to 
the  Governour's  and  accompany  him  to  Court;  was  slow 
to  go  out  till  knew  the  Court  pretty  full :  Deputy  Gover- 
nour  and  about  ^  Duzen  went  down,  among  whom  Mr. 
Stoughton  :  Mr.  Dudley  went  not.  At  the  Town-House 
debated  what  was  best  to  do  respecting  Mr.  Shrimpton  : 
Mr.  Stoughton  related  matter  of  fact.  Governour  had 
adjourned  the  Court  from  Thorsday  to  Monday,  beside  the 
Appointment  to  hear  Mr.  Sergeant,  which  was  done  Feb. 
25.  The  Court  not  being  full  as  the  Governour  alledged, 
several  malefactors  were  calFd  and  sentenced,  before  which 
ended,  Mr.  Stoughton  and  Dudley  came  in ;  a  while  after 
the  Governour  said  to  Mr.  Sergeant,  Will  you  have  your 
case  called  now.  Here  is  but  a  thin  Court,  —  which  was 
somewhat  grievous  to  Mr.  Stoughton ;  At  length  Mr.  Ser- 
geant and  Shrimpton  called,  Mr.  Shrimpton  in  a  great 
fury,  said  he  was  no  Thief,  &c.  though  called  among  them ; 
and  he  perceived  he  was  to  Answer  Mr.  Sergeant  and  not 
the  Court,  because  of  the  Governour's  speech  above  ;  told 
the  Governour  he  had  wronged  him  much,  which  some 
apply  to  his  Arbitratorship,  some  otherwise  :  said  there 
was  no  Governour  and  Company,  and  the  Governour  had 
notice  of  it  from  Mr.  Humphryes,  and  would  not  Answere  : 
substance  was  what  subscribed  before  in  's  Paper  given  in 
more  silently ;  but  now  spoken,  in  a  great  Croud  with 
contemptuous  Pride  and  Rage.  Gov"",  Stoughton,  Dudley, 
Davie,  Richards.  Court  cleared  the  Room,  debated  among 
themselves.  None  but  the  Governour  Spoke  to  send  Mr. 
Shrimpton  to  Prison,  one  reason  was  because  he  had  given 
the  Essence  of  it  in  writing  long  before,  and  nothing  had 
been  done  to  him  :  But  would  have  spoken  to  him  and  the 
People,  desiring  the  Governour  to  begin  ;  Governour  said 
he  despised  it,  or  the  like,  speaking  to  Mr.  Davie  who  pro- 
pounded it  inconveniently  :  So  went  away  angry,  and  rest 
followed  him  ;  So  is  extream  Displeasure  among  the  People, 
against  Stoughton  and  Dudley  chiefly :  This  26  .^  Shrimp- 


130  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1686. 

ton  sent  for,  not  coming,  (was  not  at  home)  Court  and 
Council  is  Adjourned  to  the  next  Thorsday  after  Lecture, 
and  Marshal  ordered  to  Summon  him. 

Satterday,  March  27*^^  Capt.  Eliot,  Mr.  Wyllys,  AUin,  Frary 
go  to  the  Governour's  to  comfort  Him  and  strengthen  his 
Hands,  seeming  to  be  extreamly  concerned.  I  vindicated 
Mr.  Stoughton,  being  the  Senior  Magistrate,  all  that  ever 
T  could  ;  but  I  question  whether  it  takes  much  place  or  no. 
Mr.  Addington  entered  nothing,  and  professed  before  the 
Council  that  was  so  surprized  and  'twas  such  a  sudden 
Gust,  that  scarce  knew  what  he  said  :  and  all  say  'twas 
extream  sudden  and  tumultuous :  I  perceiv  Sundry  Oaths 
are  taking,  what  avail  they'll  be  of  as  to  things  done  in 
Court,  I  know  not. 

Ship  comes  in  from  Dartmouth  to  Salem  this  week, 
about  8  weeks  passage,  brings  news  of  horrid  progress  of 
the  Persecution  in  France ;  ^  of  severals  relating  to  Eng- 
land, Parliament  prorogued  to  May  ;  Eose-Frigat  set  out 
for  Portsmouth,  &c. 

Natalis.  March  28.  133  Ps.  sung  in  the  morn  in  course  : 
The  Lord  give  me  a  holy  godly  Life  without  End.  Letter 
read  from  Maldon  directed  to  the  three  Churches  in  Bos- 
ton, desiring  Council  respecting  their  Pastor  Mr.  Tho. 
Chiever,  who  is  charg'd  with  scandalous  immoralities,  for 
which  hath  not  given  satisfaction.^  Mr.  Eliot  and  my  Self 
to  accompany  Mr.  Willard  thither  next  Wednesday  come 
Sennight,  7*-  April. 


1  The  Edict  of  Nantes  was  revoked  in  October,  1685.  The  revocation 
had  been  preceded  and  was  followed  by  great  severities  against  the  Hugue- 
nots. —  Eds. 

2  From  the  "  Bi-Centennial  Book  of  Maiden,"  p.  157,  it  seems  that  Rev. 
Thomas  Cheever  was  son  of  the  famous  schoolmaster,  Ezekiel  Cheever.  He 
was  ordained  July  27,  1681.  Charges  were  made  and  sustained  before  a 
council,  and  he  was  dismissed  May  20,  1686.  He  afterwards  recovered  the 
public  confidence,  and  was  ordained  pastor  of  the  church  at  Chelsea,  in  1715, 
where  he  continued  for  about  thirty-five  years,  dying  at  the  age  of  ninety-one 
years.  —  Eds. 


1686.]  DIAEY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  131 

March  29.  I  visit  Mr.  Mather,  and  Mr.  Nowell  confined 
by  his  Lameness.  About  6  aclock  P.  M.  Hull  hath  a 
very  sore  Convulsion  Fit. 

March  the  last  walked  with  Isaac  Goose  and  Cous. 
Quinsey,  had  a  very  pleasant  Moon-shiny  night. 

Thorsday,  April  1,  1686.  Mr.  Shrimpton  comes  before 
the  Council,  gives  in  a  Paper  shewing  that  March  22.  he 
did  say  there  was  no  Governour  and  Company  in  being  in 
this  place,  which  he  still  did  averr,  and  was  ready  to  prove 
if  called  to  it.  Council  adjourned  to  April  15*^  and  the 
Essex  Magistrates  writt  to,  to  be  here.  Mr.  Shrimpton  said 
he  never  did  disown  a  Government  here,  but  honoured 
them.  Mr.  Secretary  in  writing  the  Letter  writt  Henry, 
in  stead  of  Samuel,  Am  afraid  little  can  or  will  be  done, 
we  shall  only  sentire  nos  mori  ;  for  Governour  seemed  to 
own  before  the  People  that  the  Charter  was  vacated  in 
England,  and  insisted  upon  a  Proclamation  sent  him  : 
And  the  Deputy  Governour  said  the  Government  must 
not  be  tumbled  down  till  His  Majesty  call'd  for  it,  or  to 
that  purpose  :  Such  discourses  and  arguings  before  the 
People  do  but  make  us  grow  weaker  and  weaker.  Said 
'twas  voided  as  much  as  London's ;  and  they  durst  not 
since  hold  a  Comon  Council.^ 

April  2,  1686.  Mr.  Thomas  Thacher  dyes  about  9  or 
10  aclock.  Hath  had  a  pretty  long  Indisposition.  Buried 
on  the  Sabbath  Afternoon. 

Monday,  Apr.  5.  Mr.  Nehemiah  Hobart  chosen  to 
preach  the  next  Election-Sermon  Artillery,  hardly  any 
other  had  Votes,  though  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  is  even  al- 
most Son  in  Law  to  the  Cap-  and  a  worthy  Man. 

Apr.  7.  1686.  Get  up  about  4  mane  to  go  and  ac- 
company Mr.  Willard  to  Maldon,  went  most  by  Water, 
some    by    Land.      Those    that    went    by    Water    were 


^  The  judgment  against  the  city  of  London  on  a  quo  warranto  was  pro- 
nounced by  the  Court  of  King's  Bench,  in  June,  1683.  —Eds. 


132 


DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL. 


[1686. 


landed  at  Switzer's  Point,  then  went  about  2  miles  on 
foot. 

Apr.  8,  Came  home  about  4  or  5  P.  M.  Visited  Mr. 
Nowell.  Mr.  Tho.  Bayly  preached  the  Lecture.  Vide 
Locos  Comiines,  quoad  Concilij  factum. 

Monday,  Apr.  12.  Mr.  Lewis  (in  whom  Mr.  Wear  goes 
for  England  to  answer  for  Hampshire,)  going  out,  runs 
on  Shore  upon  a  Rock  a  little  below  the  Castle,  at  high- 
Water:  so  judg'd  the  Voyage  may  be  much  obstructed. 
High  wind,  and  flurries  of  Hail. 

Tuesday,  Apr.  13,  1686.  Have  news  by  Madera  that 
Col.  Kirk  was  set  sail  in  order  to  come  hether. 


Nomination". 

S.  Bradstreet  Esq. 

1144. 

Rob.  Pike 

1113 

T.  Danforth 

1052. 

E.  Cooke 

1121, 

D.  Gookin 

1002. 

W.  Johnson 

872, 

I.  Pynchon 

1097. 

I.  Hathorn 

983. 

W.  Stoughton 

656. 

E.  Hutchinson 

978. 

I.  Dudley 

619. 

S.  Sewall 

868. 

P.  Bulkly 

475. 

I.  Smith 

619, 

N.  Saltonstall 

852. 

I.  Addington 

510, 

H  Davie 

1127. 

0.  Purchis 

507. 

I.  Kichards 

896. 

D.  Pierce 

474, 

S.  Nowell 

1203. 

Jn^  Blackwell 

331, 

Jam.  Russell 

1095. 

Left  Out, 

P.  Tilton 

1125. 

W^  Brown 

99 

Bar.  Gedny 

387. 

Jn°  Woodbridge 

325, 

S.  Apleton 

1129. 

Persons  that  came  next  are  —  Capt.  Phillips  of  Charles- 
town,  307  — Lt.  Thurston  of  Meadfild,  207  — Sam!  Par- 
trigge  of  Hadley,  176  — Capt.  Daniel  Epps  146.  Mr. 
Saffin  had  very  few  Votes.  Mr.  Stoughton  not  present. 
Mr.  Dudley  dined  (as  I  think)  at  Mr.  Shrimpton's,  which 


1686.J  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  133 

will  go  near  to  give  great  offence.  Commissioners  dined 
at  Wezendunk's/  Governour  gave  us  his  Company  there, 
and  Mr.  Dudley  came  and  abode  with  us  some  time ; 
said  remembred  not  'twas  the  Day  for  opening  the  Nomi- 
nation. 

Thorsday,  Apr.  15.  After  Lecture  the  Court  meets, 
Mr.  Shrimpton  sent  for,  Evidences  sworn.  Considered 
how  to  hear  him,  as  County  Court,  I  voted  for  the  County 
Court,  and  three  more,  or  Assistants.  When  some  were 
for  Satterday,  others  for  next  Thorsday :  first  carried  it 
because  of  Major  Appleton  and  Pike  :  so  Juries  to  be 
summoned  then  to  appear.  Mr.  Shrimpton  would  not 
take  any  blame  to  himself  as  to  substance  of  what  had 
said,  and  pleaded  that  might  be  heard  by  the  County 
Court,  else  refused  to  give  Bond  to  appear.  The  Deputy 
Governour  said  his  Case  was  Capital,  which  Mr.  Stoughton 
earnestly  spake  against.  In  the  hurry  Deputy  Governour 
Adjourned  the  Court,  bid  the  Marshal  Generall  look  to 
Mr.  Shrimpton ;  Marshal  Generall  required  a  Warrant 
which  Secretary  would  not  grant  because  the  Court  Ad- 
journed :  So  Mr.  Shrimpton  under  no  obligation  to  appear. 
Boston  to  chuse  Jury-Men  for  the  County  Court,  Friday 
3  aclock  all  under  one  [ballot]  and  read  the  Nomination- 
Bill.  This  Thorsday  15.  April,  Capt.  Ephraim  Savage's 
Maid  is  known  to  have  the  Small  Pocks,  to  the  great 
saddening  of  the  Town,  besides  all  our  other  Deaths. 

Warrants  run  for  the  Jury  to  appear  17^.^  Inst,  at  8 
aclock  mane  to  try  a  Case  that  concerns  Limb,  Life,  or 


1  This  was  Warner  Wesenduuk,  or  Werendunk,  whose  name  appears  on 
the  Boston  Tax  List  of  1685.  Administration  was  granted  Aug.  12,  1690 
(Suff.  AVills,  viii.  151),  on  estate  of  Warner  W.,  Taverner,  to  Thomas 
Walter,  at  the  request  of  the  creditors,  as  the  widow  and  relations  did  not 
desire  it.  His  widow  is  on  the  list  of  inhabitants  in  1695.  There  was  also 
a  Stephen  W.,  who  appears  on  the  same  lists.  In  1693,  he  terms  himself 
"  merchant,  of  London,"  now  resident  in  Boston,  and  makes  Francis  Foxcroft 
his  attorney.  In  1707,  he  makes  John  Oulton  his  attorney.  (Sufli.  Deeds, 
Lib.  U,  f.  242;  Lib.  26,  f.  220.)  — Eds. 


134  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1686. 

Banishment ;  and  for  a  Grand  jury.  Doubt  the  terms  of 
the  Warrant  extream  inconvenient. 

Thorsday,  15.  A^ril,  pomer id.  The  Companies  warned 
to  Train.  News  is  brought  by  Mary-Land  tliat  Mr.  Ran- 
dolph alone  was  come  for  N.  England.  Am  told  a  Letter 
from  Mr.  Ive  of  Dec.  10.  saith  was  then  in  the  Downs 
waiting  for  a  wind.  So  that  the  Report  that  the  Devil 
Kirk  w^as  coming  (as  was  said  the  Mariners  called  him) 
now  abates. 

Satterday,  April  17,  1686.  After  much  discourse  an 
Indictment  is  drawn  up,  the  Grand  jury  find  the  Bill  per 
Pen  Townsend,  Foreman.  Mr.  Shrimpton  appears  not :  so 
an  Attachment  ordered  to  goe  out  for  him  against  next 
Thorsday,  upon  which  the  Marshal  is  to  take  Bond  of  him 
with  Sureties  of  1000.  which  if  refuse  to  give,  to  carry 
him  to  prison.  The  Towns  sent  to  as  far  as  Weymouth 
sent  their  Jury  Men  very  soon  Satterday  Morn ;  which 
was  to  me  a  very  rare  sight,  seeing  the  warrants  to  arrive 
a  Thorsday  night.  Mr.  Stoughton  and  Dudley  calFd  here. 
Mr.  Stoughton  said  would  not  come  again  till  after  the 
Election,  [if  it]  should  make  me  lose  all  my  Votes. 

Sabbath,  Apr.  18.  Capt.  Ephr.  Savage  puts  up  a  Bill  to 
have  God's  hand  sanctified  in  sending  the  Small  Pocks  into 
his  Family. 

Apr.  19.     Mr.  Seaborn  Cotton  dyes. 

Thorsday,  Apr.  22.  Court  Assistants.  Mr.  Shrimpton 
gives  no  Bond,  but  is  sent  to  Prison,  Marshal  did  not  light 
on  him  before.  In  the  afternoon  pleads  against  the  illegal- 
ity of  the  Indictment  it  having  no  Date :  w^hich  suppose 
will  be  granted ;  is  dismissed  tonight  on  's  Parol  to  appear 
tomorrow.  Acknowledged  was  ashamed  of  the  manner  of 
's  behaviour  in  the  County  Court,  but  stood  to  the  Sub- 
stance, that  no  Governour  and  Company. 

Mr.  Tho.  Smith  comes  to  Nantasket ;  was  much  feared 
to  be  lost.  Cous.  Nath.  Dummer  here.  Mr.  Cotton's 
Sermon  printed  off.     Apr.  22,  1686. 


I 


1686.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  135 

Satterday,  Apr.  24.  Court  makes  a  Decree  in  the  Ad- 
miralty Case.  Mr.  Shrimpton's  Paper  satisfies  not ;  Court 
overrules  his  Plea  as  to  the  Indictments  not  having  a  Date  ; 
because  alledge  the  giving  in  to  Court  makes  it  have  a 
Date  sufficient  and  determines  22"!  March  last  past,  and 
order  the  Secretary  to  underwrite  it  when  Received  in 
open  Court :  near  half  the  Magistrates  could  not  vote  for 
either.  Court  is  adjourned  to  the  14-^  May,  8  aclock,  Mr. 
Shrimpton  promises  then  to  appear,  and  Jury  ordered  to 
attend.  Is  a  Rumor  that  the  Frigot  hath  been  long  at 
Sea.  Gave  the  Magistrates  one  of  Mr.  Cotton's  Sermons 
on  2  Sam.  7.  10.,  each  of  them  one,  being  now  just  come 
out.     Ap.  24.  1686. 

Monday,  Apr.  26,  1686.  I  and  my  wife  set  out  for 
Newbury  with  little  Hull ;  Brother  St.  Sewall  meets  us  at 
the  Gate  next  the  little  Bridge  near  where  Boston  and 
Cambridge  Rode  join :  yet  Eliakim  went  on  to  Salem, 
whether  we  got  well  in  good  time.  Was  kindly  enter- 
tained by  Capt.  Gedney,  Mr.  Hathorn,  Epps ;  Visited  by 
Mr.  Noyes. 

Tuesday,  Ap.  27.  Being  in  a  strait  for  a  Horse,  Brother 
accidentally  meets  with  Stephen  Jaques,  who  had  a  Horse 
exceeding  fit  for  our  purpose,  and  was  a  Newbury  Man ; 
so  got  to  Newbury  very  well  in  good  time. 

Wednesday,  May  5,  came  home-ward,  took  Rowley- 
Lecture  in  the  way.  Text  —  Denying  the  Power,  shewed 
that  true  Goodness  w^as  a  powerfull  Principle.  Came  to 
Salem,  Gilbert  Cole  to  our  great  Benefit  overtaking  and 
accompanying  us,  and  bringing  my  wife  from  Salem,  else 
must  have  Troubled  Brother. 

Thorsday,  May  6,  1686.  Got  home  about  four  aclock, 
found  all  well,  blessed  be  God.  'Twas  Lecture-day  at 
Lin  too  and  is  so  once  a  Moneth,  but  we  have  miss'd  both  : 
And  indeed  my  wives  painfull  Flux  such,  that  had  we 
known  of  Lin  Lecture  before  past  the  Place,  could  not 
have  took  it.     Mr.   Wharton  buried  a   Child  since   our 


136  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1686. 

going  :  and  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  married  Mrs.  Margaret 
Phillips  before  Major  Richards  (Mr.  Russell  and  Capt. 
Hutchinson  also  present.)  Tuesday  May  4^!"  1686.  'Tis 
said  was  a  great  Wedding,  but  Eliakim  not  bidden. 

Going  to  Newbury,  at  Ipswich  Farms  met  with  Richard 
Waldron,  who  told  me  what  an  Eastward  Master  reported 
about  the  coming  out  of  the  Rose-Frigot,  shewing  me  a 
Letter  written  to  the  Capt.  of  the  Rose  at  Boston  in  N.  E. 
which  causes  great  thoughts  and  expectation.  Left  Hull 
w^ell  at  our  coming  away.  God  did  graciously  help  us  out 
and  home  this  journey,  and  answer  Prayer.  Capt.  Frary 
met  us  and  bid  us  w^ellcom  Home. 

May  10*.^.  Went  to  Charlestown  and  wished  Mr.  Cotton 
Mather  Joy,  was  married  last  Tuesday. 

Monday,  10^.^  May,  Night  and  Tuesday  Morn,  plenty  of 
warm  refreshing  Rain  which  was  extreamly  wanted. 

Tuesday  Morn.  Mr.  Mather's  Maid,  a  Member  of 
[blank]  Church  is  brought  to  Bed  of  a  Child.  Nothing 
suspected  before  that  I  hear  of.  'Tis  said  He  has  turn'd 
her  out  of  's  House. 

May  12,  1686.  Pleasant  day.  Governour  ill  of  's  Gout, 
goes  not  to  Meeting.  Mr.  Wigglesworth  preaches  from 
Rev.  2.  4  and  part  of  5^^  v.  and  do  thy  first  works,  end  of 
the  Text.  Shew'd  the  want  of  Love,  or  abating  in  it,  was 
ground  enough  of  Controversy,  whatsoever  outward  per- 
formances a  people  might  have.  In  's  prayer  said.  That 
may  know  the  things  of  our  peace  in  this  our  day,  and  it 
may  be  the  last  of  our  days.  Acknowledged  God  as  to 
the  Election,  and  bringing  forth  him  as  'twere  a  dead  Man, 
—  had  been  reckoned  among  the  dead,  —  to  preach.  Gov- 
ernour being  at  Home  adjourned  to  his  House,  and  there 
the  Deputy  Governour  and  Assistants  took  their  Oaths, 
being  much  obstructed  and  confused  by  the  Drums 
and  Vollies  from  which  the  Souldiers  w^ould  not  be 
refrained. 


I68G.] 


DIARY    OF 

SAMUEL    SEWALL. 

Gookin 

1107. 

Gedny 

509 

Pynchon 

1295. 

Appleton 

1272 

Stoughton 

664. 

Pike 

1229 

Dudley 

500. 

Cook 

1143 

Bulkly 

436. 

Johnson 

987 

Saltonstall 

1036. 

Hathorn 

1176 

Davie 

1260. 

Hutchinson 

1066 

Richards 

1160. 

Sewall 

957 

Nowell 

1269. 

Addington 

903 

Russell 

1273. 

Smith 

842 

Tilton 

1178. 

137 


Thorsday,  May  13.  Major  Richards  and  I  were  sent  by 
the  Mao-istrates  to  wait  on  Mr.  Stouo-hton  to  invite  him  to 
take  his  Oath;  Called  at  Major  Dudley's  for  Extract  of 
his  Letter. 

Friday,  May  14.  The  Rose-Frigot  arrives  at  Nantas- 
ket,  Mr.  Randolph  up  at  Town  about  8  mane :  takes 
Coach  for  Roxbury  :  Major  Pynchon  and  Mr.  Stoughton 
are  sent  to  the  Magistrates  to  acquaint  them  with  the 
King's  Commands  being  come,  and  that  Mr.  Deputy,  with 
whom  he  pleased  to  take  with  him,  might  go  to  Capt. 
Paige's  and  see  the  Commission,  Exemplification  of  the 
Judgment  and  Seals.  Mr.  Shrimpton  in  the  morn  was 
sent  for  and  told,  by  reason  of  the  Governour's  absence, 
and  other  business,  should  not  now  proceed  with  his  Tryal, 
and  that  the  Court  would  be  adjourned  and  he  should  be 
acquainted  with  the  time.  Had  a  small  Admiralty  Case. 
Jury  dismissed  after  Dinner.  Major  Pynchon  has  not 
took  his  Oath,  I  saw  him  not  till  came  in  with  Mr. 
Stoughton. 

Elder  Humphryes  of  Dorchester  buried  this  day.  Major 
Richards  and  Self  saw  his  Grave  digging  when  went  to 
Mr.  Stoughton's. 

Satterday,  May  15.  Gov""  Hinkley,  Major  Richards, 
Mr.  Russell  and  Self  sent  to  by  Major  Dudley  to  come 


138  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1686. 

to  Capt.  Paige's,  where  we  saw  the  Exemphfication  of  the 
Judgment  against  the  Charter,  with  the  Broad  Seal  af- 
fixed :  discoursed  about  their  acceptance :  had  some 
thoughts  of  shewing  their  Seals  to  the  Magistrates  and 
Deputies,  though  not  to  them  as  a  Court ;  but  before  we 
returned,  the  Magistrates  were  gone  to  the  Governour's 
and  from  thence  they  adjourned  till  Monday  one  aclock. 
Major  Generall  came  home  and  dined  with  me.  Went  to 
George  Monk's  and  paid  him  in  full,  drank  half  a  pint  of 
Wine  together. 

Friday  morn  Capt.  Townsend  is  chosen  Deputy  for 
Boston  in  his  Brother  Addington's  room.  Mr.  Jif  Saffin 
is  chosen  Speaker  the  day  before.  Mr.  Nicholas  Noyes, 
the  Minister,  told  me  the  first  News  of  the  Frigot. 

Sabbath,  May  16.  The  Lord's  Supper  administered 
with  us :  In  the  morn  the  2?  Ps.  sung  from  the  6*:^  v.  to 
the  end.  In  the  family,  sung  the  139*.^  in  course.  Mr. 
Eandolph  at  Meeting,  sate  in  Mr.  Luscombe's  Pue.  Mr. 
Willard  prayed  not  for  the  Governour  or  Government,  as 
formerly;  but  spake  so  as  implied  it  to  be  changed  or 
changing.  It  seems  Mr.  Phillips  at  the  Old  Church,  prayed 
for  Governour  and  Deputy  Governour.  Gov5  Hinkly, 
Major  Pynchon,  Rawson  and  Self  with  Mr.  Willy  in  the 
Fore-Seat  at  the  Sacrament. 

Monday,  May  17'.^  1686.  Generall  Court  Sits  at  One^ 
aclock,  I  goe  thither,  about  3.  The  Old  Government 
draws  to  the  North-side,  Mr.  Addington,  Capt.  Smith  and 
I  sit  at  the  Table,  there  not  being  room :  Major  Dudley 
the  Prsesident,  Major  Pynchon,  Capt.  Gedney,  Mr.  Mason, 
Randolph,  Capt.  Winthrop,  Mr.  Wharton  come  in  on  the 
Left.  Mr.  Stoughton  I  left  out :  Came  also  Capt.  [of] 
King's  Frigot,  Gov!"  Hinkley,  GovF  West  and  sate  on  the 
Bench,  and  the  Boom  pretty  well  filled  with  Spectators  in 
an  Instant.  Major  Dudley  made  a  Speech,  that  was  sorry 
could  treat  them  no  longer  as  Governour  and  Company ; 
Produced  the  Exemplification  of  the  Charter's  Condemns- 


1686.]  DIAEY    OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  139 

tion,  the  Commission  under  the  Broad-Seal  of  England 
—  both:  Letter  of  the  Lords,  Commission  of  Admiralty, 
openly  exhibiting  them  to  the  People  ;  when  had  done, 
Deputy  Governour  said  suppos'd  they  expected  not  the 
Court's  x\nswer  now ;  which  the  Praesident  took  up  and 
said  they  could  not  acknowledge  them  as  such,  and  could 
no  way  capitulate  with  them,  to  which  I  think  no  Eeply. 
When  gone.  Major  Generall,  Major  Eichards,  Mr.  Russell 
and  Self  spake  our  minds.  I  chose  to  say  after  the  Major 
Generall,  adding  that  the  foundations  being  destroyed 
what  can  the  Righteous  do ;  speaking  against  a  Protest ; 
which  some  spake  for.  Spake  to  call  some  Elders  to  pray 
tomorrow  which  some  think  inconvenient,  because  of 
what  past,  and  the  Commissioners  having  several  times 
declared  themselves  to  be  the  King's  Council  when  in  the 
Town-House. 

Tuesday,  May  18.  Mr.  Willard  not  seeing  cause  to  go 
to  the  Town-House  to  pray,  I  who  was  to  speak  to  him 
refrain  also.  Major  Bulkley  and  Mr.  Jonathan  Tyng 
came  to  Town  last  night.  Mr.  Phillips  had  very  close 
Discourse  with  the  President,  to  persuade  him  not  to 
accept :  'twas  in  Mr.  Willard's  Study  Monday  after  noon 
just  at  night.  Mr.  Stoughton  and  Mather  there  too. 
Now  are  reading  the  beginning  of  the  Psalms  and  the 
Acts. 

Tuesday,  May  18.  A  great  Wedding  from  Milton,  and 
are  married  by  Mr.  Randolph's  Chaplain,  at  Mr.  Shrimp- 
ton's,  according  to  the  Service-Book,  a  little  after  noon, 
when  Prayer  was  had  at  the  Town-House  :  Was  another 
married  at  the  same  time.  The  former  was  Yosse's  Son. 
Borrowed  a  Ring.  'Tis  said  they  having  asked  Mr.  Cook 
and  Addington,  and  they  declining  it,  went  after  to  the 
President  and  he  sent  them  to  the  Parson.  In  the  even 
Mr.  Moodey,  Allen,  Willard,  Addington,  Frary  visit  me. 
It  seems  neither  of  the  Mathers,  nor  Baylys,  nor  Major 
Richards  were  at  the  Fast. 


140  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1686. 

Wednesday,  May  19.  Capt.  Eliot  tells  me  that  he  hears 
Salem  Troop  is  to  be  here  on  Friday,  Capt.  Higginson  is 
Mr.  Wharton's  Brother  in  Law,  and  Capt.  Gedney  is  of 
Salem,  commands  one  of  the  Companyes.  Mr.  Higginson 
and  Mr.  Noyes  steady  for  Submission  ;  the  former  is  the 
Captain's  Father.  My  Son  reads  to  me  Isa.  22  in  his 
course  this  morning.  In  the  Afternoon  Major  Richards 
and  Self  sent  for  to  Capt.  Winthrop's,  and  desired  to  have 
our  Companyes  in  Arms  next  Tuesday,  Boston  Troop  to 
bring  the  President  from  Roxbury  ;  what  was  thought  of 
the,  former  notion  is  now  laid  aside. 

Friday,  May  21,  1686.  The  Magistrates  and  Deputies 
goe  to  the  Governour's.  I  was  going  to  them  about  11. 
aclock,  supposing  them  to  be  at  the  Town-House,  and 
seeing  a  head  through  the  Governour's  Room,  and,  Brisco 
in  the  Street,  I  asked  if  Magistrates  there ;  so  went  in  and 
they  were  discoursing  about  delivering  the  Keys  of  a  Fort 
which  had  been  asked,  seemed  to  advise  him  not  to  do  it 
till  the  Gentlemen  Sworn.  Mr.  Nowell  prayed  that  God 
would  pardon  each  Magistrate  and  Deputies  Sin.  Thanked 
God  for  our  hither tos  of  Mercy  56  years,  in  which  time 
sad  Calamities  elsewhere,  as  Massacre  Piedmont ;  thanked 
God  for  what  we  might  expect  from  sundry  of  those  now 
set  over  us.  I  moved  to  sing,  so  sang  the  17.  and  18. 
verses  of  Habbakkuk. 

The  Adjournment  which  had  been  agreed  before,  Second 
Wednesday  in  October  next  at  8  aclock  in  the  Morning, 
was  declared  by  the  Weeping  Marshal-Generall.  Many 
Tears  Shed  in  Prayer  and  at  parting. 

This  day  the  Praesident  goes  on  Board  the  Frigot  a  little 
below  the  Castle,  so  the  Flagg  is  hung  out  at  the  Main 
Top.  About  4.  or  5.  P.  M.  She  conies  up  with  a  fair  wind. 
Castle  fires  about  25  Guns  ;  a  very  considerable  time  after 
the  Frigot  fires,  then  the  Sconce  and  Ships,  Noddles  Hand, 
Cbarlestown  Battery,  Frigot  again,  Ships  with  their  An- 
cients out,  and  Forts  their  Flaggs.     Not  very  many  Spec- 


1686.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  141 

tators  on  Fort  Hill  and  there  about,  I  was  for  one,  coming 
from  the  Warehouse.  I  waited  on  the  Praesident  in  the 
morn  to  speak  with  him,  and  so  accompanied  Him  to 
Town.  Wednesday,  Major  Richards  and  I  were  sent  for 
to  Capt.  Winthrop's  to  speak  with  us  about  attending  with 
our  Companyes  on  Tuesday ;  this  was  near  night.  Were 
advised  to  consult  our  Officers  ;  Major  Eichards  objected 
the  discontent  of  the  Souldiers  and  may  be  it  might  prove 
inconvenient.  On  Thorsday,  before  Lecture,  at  Capt. 
Paige's,  I  told  the  President  thought  I  could  do  nothing  to 
the  purpose  :  On  Friday  waited  on  him  on  purpose  and 
propounded  Lieut.  Hayward  :  when  came  home,  after  Din- 
ner went  to  speak  with  Lieut.  Hayward,  found  him  at 
George's.  There  he  was  speaking  with  his  Capt.,  the 
Praesident  having  spoken  to  him ;  he  was  to  return  an 
Answer  to  the  Praesident.  I  hear  no  more  of  it,  so  I 
suppose  'tis  left  with  him.  On  Wednesday  Major  spake 
of  warning  by  Corporals  not  Drum. 

May  25,  mane  we  read  the  seventeenth  Psalm  in  Course, 
a  precious  seasonable  Prayer  for  this  Day. 

Wednesday,  May  26.  Mr.  Ratliff,  the  Minister,  waits 
on  the  Council ;  Mr.  Mason  and  Randolph  propose  that 
he  may  have  one  of  the  3  Houses  to  preach  in.  That  is 
deny'd,  and  he  is  granted  the  East-End  of  the  Town- 
House,  where  the  Deputies  used  to  meet ;  untill  those 
who  desire  his  Ministry  shall  provide  a  fitter  place.  No 
Body  that  I  observed  went  to  meet  the  President  at  his 
first  coming  to  Town  that  I  know  of.^ 


1  It  seems  proper,  at  this  point,  to  mention  a  curious  literary  performance, 
which  promised  to  throw  light  on  the  events  of  this  date.  In  the  "  St.  Chry- 
sostom's  Magazine,"  Vol.  II.  Nos.  11  and  12,  published  in  New  York, 
December,  1874,  and  February,  1875,  appeared  two  letters,  purporting  to  be 
written  by  Rev.  Robert  Ratcliffe,  the  Episcopal  clergjTnan  who  preceded 
Andros.  The  editor  of  the  magazine  wrote  to  an  inquirer  that  these  letters 
were  printed  from  the  originals,  but  further  responses  to  all  questions  were 
refused. 

In  the  first  of  these  letters,  addressed  to  the  Bishop  of  London,  RatclifEe 


142  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1686. 

Tliorsday,  May  27.  Lieut.  Checkly  and  I  wait  on  the 
President  and  Mr.  Stoughton  to  Mr.  Allin's.  Mr.  Whiting 
of  Hartford  preaches.  Mr.  Danforth  sits  in  the  Gallery, 
Major  Gookin  with  me.  Ministers  generally  dine  with 
the  President  and  Co. 

Friday,  May  28.  I  pay  my  Respects  to  Mr.  Stoughton 
as  Deputy-President,  break  fast  with  him,  and  ride  part 
of  the  way  to  Town.  Then  I  goe  with  Capt.  Eliot  and 
adjust  the  Line  between  him  and  me  at  Muddy-River. 
Visit  Mr.  Benj.  Eliot  as  we  come  back.  Yesterday  a  very 
refreshing  Rain. 

Sabbath,  May  30^M686.  My  Son  reads  to  me  in  course 
the  26*?  of  Isaiah  —  In  that  day  shall  this  Song,  &c.  And 
we  sing  the  141.  Psalm,  both  exceedingly  suited  to  this 
day.  Wherein  there  is  to  be  Worship  according  to  the 
Church  of  England  as  'tis  call'd,  in  the  Town-House,  by 
Countenance  of  Authority.  'Tis  deferred  'till  the  6*.?  of 
June  at  what  time  the  Pulpit  is  provided  ;  The  pulpit  is 


is  made  to  give  a  full  accoant  of  the  proceedings  at  the  Council  Chamber  on 
May  26,  when  the  late  Governor  Bradstreet  made  a  long  prayer.  RatclifEe, 
as  represented,  asked  for  a  place  in  which  to  hold  Church  of  England  services; 
and  Bradstreet  rose,  and,  after  upbraiding  Dudley,  left  the  hall. 

It  appears,  from  the  Council  Records,  that,  on  the  25th  May,  there  were 
twelve  present,  viz.,  Dudley,  Stoughton,  Mason,  Fitz  Winthrop,  Pinchon, 
Dudley,  Wait  Winthrop,  Wharton,  Gedney,  Hincks,  E.  Tyng,  and  Ran- 
dolph. 

On  May  26,  eleven  were  present;  Hincks  not  named,  and  Stoughton  was 
made  deputy. 

On  May  27,  eleven  present;  Hincks  attending  and  Gedney  absent.  On 
the  28th,  eleven;  Usher  being  present.  On  June  18th,  Jonathan  Tyng 
appears.  The  names  of  Simon  Bradstreet,  Dudley  Bradstreet,  and  l^athaniel 
SaJtonstall  do  not  appear  on  the  records. 

It  would  have  been  strange,  if,  after  the  meeting  of  May  21,  herein  re- 
corded, Bradstreet  should  have  attended  the  Council  meeting;  almost  incredi- 
ble that,  if  he  had  done  so  and  had  enacted  so  striking  a  part,  Sewall  should 
not  record  it. 

For  these  and  other  reasons,  especially  the  inexplicable  retention  of  the 
originals,  we  are  compelled  to  concede  no  authority  to  the  transcripts,  and 
must  continue  to  stand  by  such  details  only  as  these  journals  furnish  to  us. 
—  Eds. 


1686.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  143 

movable,  carried  up  and  down  stairs,  as  occasion  serves; 
it  seems  many  crouded  thether,  and  the  Ministers  preached 
forenoon  and  Afternoon.     Charles  Lid  get  there. 

Satterday,  June  5t^.  I  rode  to  Newbury,  to  see  my 
little  Hull,  and  to  keep  out  of  the  way  of  the  Artillery 
Election,  on  which  day  eat  Strawberries  and  Cream  with 
Sister  Longfellow  at  the  Falls,  visited  Capt.  Richard  Dum- 
mer,  rode  to  Salem,  where  lodged  2  nights  for  the  sake 
of  Mr.  Noyes's  Lecture,  w^ho  preached  excellently  of 
Humility,  from  the  woman's  washing  Christ's  feet.  Was 
invited  by  Mr.  Higginson  to  Dinner,  but  could  not  stay, 
came  alone  to  Capt.  Marshal's,  from  thence  with  Mr.  Davie, 
who  gave  me  an  account  of  B.  Davis  Capt.,  Tho.  Savage 
Lieut,  'and  Sam  Ravenscrof t  Ensign,  of  the  Artillery ;  Jn° 
Wait  was  chosen  but  serv'd  not.  Mr.  Hubbard  preached 
from  Eccles.,  There  is  no  Discharge  in  that  War. 

Friday,  June  11.  Waited  on  the  Council,  took  the  Oath 
of  Allegiance,  and  rec'd  my  new  Commission  for  Capt. 
Was  before  at  a  privat  Fast  at  Deacon  Allen's  :  so  Capt. 
Hutchinson  and  I  went  about  5.  aclock,  and  all  the  rest 
were  sworn,  Capt.  Hutchinson  at  present  refuses.  I  read 
the  Oath  myself  holding  the  book  in  my  Left  hand,  and 
holding  up  my  Right  Hand  to  Heaven.^ 

Friday,  June  18.  My  dear  Son,  Hull  Sewall,  dyes  at 
Newbury  about  one  aclock.  Brother  Toppan  gets  hither 
to  acquaint  us  on  Satterday  morn  between  5  and  6.  We 
set  out  about  8.  I  got  to  Newbury  a  little  after  Sun-set, 
where  found  many  persons  waiting  for  the  Funeral ;  so 
very  quickly  went;  Mr.  Woodbridge  and  Richardson 
there :     Bearers   Mr.   Sam^    Tompson,   Jn""   Moodey,   Jn"" 

1  This  matter  of  holding  up  the  hand  in  taking  an  oath,  as  opposed  to  the 
English  custom  of  holding  the  Bible  or  kissing  it,  became  very  soon  one  of 
the  trivial  but  irritating  questions  in  dispute  between  the  colonists  and  the 
Andros  faction.  In  1689,  Rev.  Samuel  Willard  printed  a  discourse  on  the 
point,  and  the  grievance  of  using  the  English  mode  is  brought  forward  in 
the  pamphlets  of  the  day.  See  Andros 's  Tracts  (Prince  Society,  Boston. 
1868),  Vols  I.  pp.  15,  47,  179.  — Eds. 


144  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1686. 

Toppan,  Johnny  Richardson.  Had  Gloves.  Gave  no 
body  else  any  because  'twas  so  late. 

Sabbath-day  Morn.  Goodman  Pilsbnry  was  buried  just 
after  the  ringing  of  the  second  Bell.  Grave  dugg  over 
night.  Mr.  Richardson  Preached  from  1  Cor.  3,  21.22, 
going  something  out  of  's  Order  by  reason  of  the  occasion, 
and  singling  out  those  Words  Or  Death. 

On  Monday  I  distributed  some  Gloves,  and  in  the  After- 
noon about  6  aclock  came  with  Deacon  Coffin  to  Salem 
about  10  at  night.  From  thence  early  in  the  Morn  by 
reason  of  the  flaming  Heat,  and  got  to  Winnisimmet  be- 
fore the  Ferry-men  up,  Got  home  about  f  after  seven, 
found  all  well.  Hullie  was  taken  ill  on  Friday  Morn. 
Mr.  Clark  of  Cambridge  had  a  Son  of  9  years  old  drownd 
the  Tuesday  before.  Two  w^omen  dy'd  suddenly  in  Bos- 
ton. James  Mirick  that  lived  just  by  my  Father  at  New- 
bury, had  his  House  suddenly  burnt  down  to  the  Ground 
on  Sabbath-day  Even  before  this  Friday. 

The  Lord  sanctify  this  Third  Bereavement. 

Tuesday,  June  22,  1686.  Betty  Lane's  Father  dyes 
suddenly. 

Wednesday,  Junij  ulf.  Went  to  a  Fast  at  Dorchester, 
Mr.  Danforth  and  Williams  exercised,  and  no  other.  In 
the  Evening  supped  with  Major  Gidney,  Mr.  Moodey, 
Alliu,  at  Mr.  Stoughton's. 

Friday,  July  2.  Mrs.  Chaney,  widow,  dyes  having  been 
sick  a  day  or  two,  of  a  Flux.  Her  Body  is  carried  in  the 
night  to  Roxbury  there  to  be  buried. 

July  9.     Mr.  Richard  Collicot  buried. 

Monday,  July  12.  Mr.  Thomas  Kellond  dyes,  is  to  be 
buried  on  Thorsday  between  4  and  5.  Is  the  only  son  of 
Madame  Kellond,  and  Mrs  Luscombe  is  now  her  only 
child.  Conversed  with  Mr.  Thomas  when  at  Newbury  in 
the  beginning  of  June.  He  was  so  fat  and  corpulent  that 
most  thought  he  could  not  live. 

Wednesday,  July  21.    Went  to  Cambridge-Lecture  and 


1686.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  145 

heard  Mr.  Morton.  Considerable  Rain  this  Day.  Dined 
at  Remington's. 

Mr.  Jn^  Bayly  preaches  his  farewell  Sermon  from  2 
Cor.  13,  11.  Goes  to  Watertown  this  week.  July  25, 
1686. 

July  26,  1686.  More  Rain  this  day.  Major  Richards 
and  most  of  the  Captains  gave  in  some  Military  Orders 
for  the  Council's  Approbation  and  Passing :  and  before 
the  Council  agreed  that  this  day  fortnight  be  a  Training- 
Day. 

July  27,  1686.  Mr.  Stoughton  prayes  excellently,  and 
makes  a  notable  speech  at  the  opening  of  the  Court.  The 
Foreman  of  the  Grand-Jury,  Capt.  Hollbrook,  swore  laying 
his  hand  on  the  Bible,  and  one  or  two  more.  So  Mr.  Bal- 
lard, Foreman  of  the  Petit  Jury,  and  one  or  two  more. 
Others  swore  lifting  up  their  hands,  as  formerly.  Attor- 
neys are  sworn  and  none  must  plead  as  Attorneys  but 
they. 

July  28.  A  considerable  Troop  from  Watertown  come 
and  fetch  Mr.  Bayly,  some  of  ours  also  accompany  them. 
Francis  Stepney  the  Dancing  Master  runs  away  for  Debt. 
Several  Attachments  out  after  him. 

Thorsday  night,  July  29,  1686.  I  goe  the  Grand  Rounds 
with  Isaac  Goose  and  Matthias  Smith  :  Comes  eight  dayes 
sooner  than  it  ought  because  Capt.  Lidget's  Lieut,  refuses, 
and  so  the  rest  of  the  Company. 

Friday,  July  30.  Church  Meeting,  at  which  Richard 
Draper,  Mrs.  Clark,  Sarah  Chapin,  and  Eliza  Lane  ad- 
mitted. 

About  the  same  time  W™  Johnson  Esqf  is  sharply  re- 
proved by  the  Council  for  his  carriage  on  the  Fast-day, 
staying  at  home  himself  and  having  a  Duzen  Men  at  's 
House. ^     Told  him  must  take  the  Oath  of  Allegiance ;  he 


1  It  seems,  from  the  "History  of  Woburn,  Mass.,"  written  by  the  late 
Rev.  Samuel  Sewall,  p.  168,  that  William  Johnson  was  a  prominent  citizen 
of  that  town.     He  was  the  son  of  Captain  Edward  Johnson,  the  author  of 

10 


146  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1686. 

desired  an  Hour's  consideration^  then  said  he  could  not 
take  it ;  but  when  his  Mittwius  writing,  or  written,  ho 
considered  again,  and  took  it  rather  than  goe  to  Prison. 
Objected  against  that  clause  of  acknowledging  it  to  be 
be  Lawfull  Authority  who  administred ;  would  see  the 
Seals. 

Aug*  4.  Mr.  Moodey  exercises  at  our  House,  being  our 
Meeting-day.     Mr.  Shove  in  Town. 

Aug*  5.  W?^  Harrison,  the  Bodies-maker,  is  buried,  which 
is  the  first  that  I  know  of  buried  with  the  Common-Prayer 
Book  in  Boston.  He  was  formerly  Mr.  Eandolph's  Land- 
lord. This  day  Capt.  Paige  hath  a  Judgment  for  Capt. 
Keyn's  Farm :  Mr.  Cook  Appeals.  Mr.  Morton  preaches 
the  Lecture.  One  Jn'^  Gold,  Chief  Commander  of  the 
Military  Company  at  Topsfield,  is  sent  to  Prison  for  Trea- 
sonable Words  spoken  about  the  change  of  Government,  is 
to  be  tryed  this  day  fortnight.  Council  said  he  was  not 
bailable. 

Sabbath-day,  Aug*  8.  'Tis  said  the  Sacrament  of  the 
Lord's  Supper  is  administered  at  the  Town-House.  Clev- 
erly there. 

Aug*  9.     Pretty  sharp  Thunder  and  Lightening. 

Aug*  10.  Ridd  to  Braintrey  in  Company  of  Mr.  Pain^ 
and  Mr.  Joseph  Parson,  and  home  agen.  'Tis  said  a  Groton 
Man  is  killed  by  's  cart,  Bowells  crushed  out ;  and  a  Boy 
killed  by  a  Horse  at  Rowley ;  foot  hung  in  the  Stirrup  and 
so  was  torn  to  pieces ;  both  about  a  week  ago. 

Aug*  10.  at  night.  Two  Brothers  die  in  one  Bed,  the 
Mate  and  Purser  of  the  Ship  which  brought  the  French- 
men. Died  of  a  Malignant  Fever.  Aug*  11.  Buried 
together.     Mr.  Parris  spake  at  Mrs.  Noyes's. 

Augt.  18,  1686.  Went  and  came  on  Foot  to  Cambridge- 
Lecture.     Dined  at  Mr.  Gookin's  in  Company  of  Mr.  Hub- 

"  Wonder-working  Providence,"  and  was  noted  for  his  zeal  for  the  old 
charter.  A  full  sketch  of  his  life  and  character  will  be  found  in  the  above- 
cited  history. —  Eds. 


1686.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  147 

bard,  N.  Cambr.  [New  Cambridge,  now  Newton]  and 
others. 

Aiigt.  21.  mane  Mr.  Randolph  and  Bullivant  were  here, 
Mr.  Randolph  mentioned  a  Contribution  toward  building 
them  a  Church,  and  seemed  to  goe  away  displeased  be- 
cause I  spake  not  up  to  it. 

Friday,  Augt.  20.  Read  the  143, 144  Psalms  mane,  and 
Sam  Read  the  10*^  of  Jeremiah.  I  was  and  am  in  great 
exercise  about  the  Cross  to  be  put  into  the  Colours,  and 
afraid  if  I  should  have  a  hand  in  't  whether  it  may  not 
hinder  my  Entrance  into  the  Holy  Land. 

Sabbath-day,  Augt.  22.  In  the  Evening  seriously  dis- 
coursed with  Capt.  Eliot  and  Frary,  signifying  my  inability 
to  hold,  and  reading  Mr.  Cotton's  Arguments  to  them 
about  the  Cross,  and  sayd  that  to  introduce  it  into  Boston 
at  this  time  was  much,  seeing  it  had  been  kept  out  more  than 
my  Life-time,^  and  now  the  Cross  much  set  by  in  England 
and  here  ;  and  it  could  scarce  be  put  in  but  I  must  have 
a  hand  in  it.  I  fetcht  home  the  Silk  Elizur  Holyoke  had 
of  me,  to  make  the  Cross,  last  Friday  morn ;  and  went 
and  discoursed  Mr.  Mather.  He  judged  it  Sin  to  have  it 
put  in,  but  the  Captain  not  in  fault ;  but  I  could  hardly 
understand  how  the  Command  of  others  could  wholly 
excuse  them,  at  least  me  who  had  spoken  so  much  against 
it  in  April  1681,  and  that  Summer  and  forward,  upon  oc- 
casion of  Capt.  Walley's  putting  the  Cross  in  his  Colours. 
Augt.  22.     Balston  arrives. 

1  The  English  colors  at  that  time,  of  course,  bore  St.  George's  cross;  and 
the  use  thereof,  as  savoring  of  idolatry  or  Popery,  aroused  Puritanic  feelings 
at  an  early  date.  In  1634,  Endicott  and  Davenport  had  altered  the  ensign 
used  at  Salem  by  removing  one  part  of  the  red  cross.  Palfrey  points  out 
that  this  act  placed  the  colonial  government  in  a  difficult  position,  since  the 
act  would  be  construed  in  England  as  a  defiance,  and  yet  at  home  it  had  the 
sympathy  of  the  people.  Finally,  it  was  decided  to  leave  out  the  cross  on  the 
colors  of  the  military  companies,  but  to  keep  it  on  the  flag  at  Castle  Island. 
Hutchinson  writes  (I.  38):  "This  scruple  afterwards  prevailed,  and  the 
cross  was  left  out  of  the  colours  and  generally  condemned  as  unlawful."  — 
Eds. 


148  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1686. 

Monday,  Augt.  23.  At  even  I  wait  on  the  President 
and  shew  him  that  I  cannot  hold  because  of  the  Cross 
now  to  be  introduc'd,  and  offer'd  him  my  Commission, 
which  he  refus'd,  said  would  not  take  it  but  in  Council. 
Receiv'd  me  very  candidly,  and  told  me  we  might  expect 
Sir  Edmund  Andros,  our  Governour,  here  within  six 
weeks  ;  for  ought  I  know  that  might  make  him  the  more 
placid.  Came  over  the  Neck  with  Mr.  Sherman.  Laus 
Deo. 

Balston  arrives  Augt.  22  :  came  from  Graves-End  June 
24,  1686.  Had  news  there  b}^  several  vessels  that  the 
Rose-Frigot  was  arrived  here.  Mr.  Lee  ^  and  another 
Minister  come  over  with  many  Passengers. 


^  This  was  the  Rev.  Samuel  Lee,  born  in  London  in  1623,  bred  at  Oxford, 
and  a  proctor  there  in  1651.  He  was  settled  at  Bristol,  Mass. ;  embarked  for 
home  in  1691;  was  taken  by  a  French  privateer  to  St.  Maloes,  and  died  there 
soon  after.  As  Savage's  account  of  his  family  relations  is  incorrect,  we  offer 
the  following  statement  from  records :  — • 

In  the  Collections  of  the  Mass.  Hist.  Society,  4th  Series,  pp.  540-542,  are 
some  letters  from  Lee  to  Mather;  and  in  one  of  them,  dated  Aug.  25,  1687, 
Lee  thanks  Increase  Mather  for  admitting  his  daughter  Anne  to  his  church. 
In  Robbins's  History  Sec.  Ch.  she  stands  as  admitted  April  24, 1687.  Again, 
Oct.  14,  1687,  Lee  writes:  "  My  wife  and  daughters  present  their  hearty 
respects,  especially  Annie." 

Again  (4th  Series,  VIII.  373),  Joshua  Moodey  writes,  Xov.  19,  1688: 
"Mr.  Saffin  has  lately  married  Mr.  Lee's  eldest  daughter."  From  many 
sources,  as,  for  example,  a  deed  in  the  Suffolk  Registry,  XIX.  237,  Sept. 
24,  1691,  to  John  George  from  John  Saffin  and  wife  Rebecca,  we  learn  her 
name. 

In  Rev.  Samuel  Mather's  Life  of  his  father,  Cotton  Mather  (p.  131),  he 
writes :  — 

"  In  his  fifty-third  year,  July  5,  1715,  he  was  married  to  his  third  Wife. 
She  is  the  Daughter  of  the  renouned  and  very  learned  Mr.  Samuel  Lee.  She 
was  the  widow  of  Mr.  George,  a  worthy  Merchant,  when  Dr.  Mather  pay'd 
his  Respects  unto  her  in  order  to  be  Marry'd.  She  is  a  Lady  of  many  and 
great  Accomplishments,  and  is  the  Doctor's  disconsolate  Widow."  Her 
name  was  Lydia,  and  she  died  Jan.  22,  1733-34.  (Hist,  and  Gen.  Reg. 
VI.  20.) 

In  Suffolk  Deeds  (Lib.  17,  f.  146),  under  date  of  Nov.  1,  1695,  is  an  in- 
denture between  Henry  Wyrley  of  New  Bristoll  in  the  county  of  Bristoll  in 
New  England,  Fellmonger,  and  Anne  his  wife,  one  of  the  Daughters  and 
coheirs  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  Lee,  late  of  Bristoll,  clerk,  deceased,  of  the  one 


1686.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  149 

Augt.  29.  Lord's  day.  Mr.  Lee,  the  Minister,  now 
come  over,  came  to  our  Meeting  in  the  Forenoon,  and 
sate  in  my  Pue. 

part,  and  John  George  of  Boston,  merchant,  of  the  other  part;  by  which  the 
Wyrleys  sell  their  one  fourth  part  (the  whole  in  four  equal  parts  to  be 
divided),  of  the  following  messuages,  &c. :  — 

One  messuage  farme  or  tenement  situate  near  Bissitree  in  the  co.  of  Ox- 
ford, Eng.  commonly  called  Bignell's  farm,  in  the  holding  of  one  Richard 
Wilson ; 

And  of  several  other  parcels  of  land  called  Brill  lands,  in  the  parish  of 
Brill,  CO.  Bucks,  viz: 

Riddo  Hill  in  the  tenure  of  Peter  Baker;  the  upper  part  of  Little  Park, 
in  the  tenure  of  John  Gregory;  the  close  next  Mr.  Dormers,  in  the  tenure 
of  one  Smith;  the  close  next  Mr.  Smith's  close,  in  the  tenui'e  of  jNL'.  Hunt; 
the  Poltree  meadow  in  the  lane  by  the  wood  and 

Hazelcomb  near  Poltree  wood,  in  tenure  of  John  Gregory;  the  Hazelcomb 
by  Spring  Copps,  in  tenure  of  Richard  Turner;  and  the  woods  of  Poltree 
and  Spring  Copps. 

The  land  is  estimated  at  one  hundred  acres,  more  or  less. 

"VVe  thus  establish  that  Lee  had,  Rebecca,  who  married  John  Saffin ;  Lydia, 
who  married  John  George,  and  second,  Cotton  Mather;  Anne,  who  married 
Henry  Wyrley;  and  undoubtedly  a  fourth  daughter. 

"We  now  turn  to  a  letter  printed  in  the  X.  E.  Hist,  and  Gen.  Register, 

I.  191,  dated  Nov.  7,  1728,  from  Dr.  Isaac  Watts.  It  is  addressed  evidently 
to  the  wife  of  Major  Samuel  Sewall,  who  was  Katherine  (George),  widow  of 
Nathan  Howell,  and  step-daughter  of  Cotton  Mather.  It  was  occasioned  by 
the  death  of  her  two  children,  George  and  Nathan  Howell,  drowned  Jan.  8, 
1728,  while  skating. 

John  George's  will  (Suff.  Wills,  XVIII.  196),  dated  March  16,  1711, 
proved  Nov.  27, 1714,  mentions  his  widow;  his  only  child,  Katherine  Howell; 
her  husband,  Nathan  Howell;  and  his  own  sister-in-law,  Mrs.  Rebecca  Saffin. 

Katherine  George  and  Nathan  Howell  were  married  by  Dr.  Colman,  Aug. 

II,  1708;  and  had  George,  born  Nov,  1,  1712,  and  Nathan,  born  March  21, 
1713-11.  These  were  the  two  children  who  were  drowned.  From  Sewall's 
Diary  (quoted  in  4th  Series,  II.  12.5),  it  seems  that  Nathan  Howell,  the 
father,  died  May  2,  1716,  and  his  widow  married  Samuel  Sewall,  Jan.  1, 
1716-17.  Sewall  had  no  childi'en  by  this  wife ;  and  as  her  mother,  Katherine 
George,  had  none  by  her  second  husband,  Mather,  this  line  of  Lee's  issue 
became  extinct. 

As  to  the  letter,  Dr.  Watts  writes  as  follows:  "  Mr.  Lee,  your  Venerable 
Grandfather  was  Predecessor  to  Mr.  Thomas  Rowe,  my  Honour 'd  Tutor, 
and  once  my  Pastor  in  my  younger  years.  Mr.  Peacock  who  married  your 
eldest  Aunt,  was  my  intimate  Friend.  Mrs,  Bishop  and  Mrs,  Wirley  were 
both  my  Acquaintance,  though  my  long  Illness  and  Absence  from  London 
has  made  me  a  Stranger  to  their  Posterity  whom  I  knew  when  Children.  But 
now  I  know  not  who  of  them  are  living  or  where.     Doc''  Cotton  Mather,  your 


150  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1686. 

Augt.  30.  Eight  Companyes  Train,  but  I  appear  not 
save  to  take  leave  in  the  morning,  getting  Mr.  Willard  to 
goe  to  Prayer.  Lieut.  Holyoke  led  the  Company  which 
had  Lt.  Col?  Colours :  in  the  morn  Lt.  Way  came  to  me 
and  told  me  the  likelihood  of  Mr.  Lee's  being  my  Tenant ; 
so  invited  said  Way  to  Dinner.  Gave  each  Souldier  a 
Sermon  :  God's  Promise  to  his  Plantations ;  and  20s.  [to 
the  Company  for  a  Treat]. 

Augt.  31.  Mr.  No  well,  Moodey  and  Eawson  visit  me 
and  comfort  me. 

Augt.  31.  Mr.  Lee  views  the  House  at  Cotton- Hill  in 
order  to  taking  it. 

Sept!"  1.  Went  to  Natick  Lecture,  Simon  Gates  shew- 
ing me  the  way  ;  called  as  went  at  Noah  Wis  wall's  ;  came 
home  accompanied  by  Major  Gookin  and  his  Son  Sam.  till 
tKe  way  parted.  Mr.  Dan!  Gookin  preached ;  were  about 
40  or  50  Men  at  most,  and  a  pretty  many  Women  and 
Children  [at  the  Indian  Meeting-house].  Call'd  at  the 
President's  as  came  home,  who  was  very  pleasant ;  Ex- 
cus'd  my  giving  himself  and  the  Deputy  President  occa- 
sion to  say  what  they  did  on  Thorsday  night.  Met  with 
there,  Capt.  Blackwell  and  Mr.  Hubbard  and  his  wife,  with 
whom  I  came  over  the  Neck. 

Septy  3.  The  report  about  Sir  Edmund  Andros  coming, 
is  refreshed  by  Martin  in  his  way  to  N.  York. 

Friday,  Sept!"  3.     Mr.  Shrimpton,  Capt.  Lidget  and  oth- 

late  Father-in-Law  was  my  yearly  Correspondent,  and  I  lament  the  loss  of 
him." 

We  have  here  a  distinct  statement  that  Mr.  Peacock  married  the  oldest 
aunt;  and,  as  all  the  reference  is  to  Lees,  undoubtedly  she  was  the  oldest 
daughter  of  Rev.  Samuel  Lee.  Mrs.  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Wyrley  are  mentioned 
in  the  same  connection ;  and,  as  the  latter  was  Anne  Lee,  we  may  presume 
Mrs.  Bishop  to  be  also.  Yet  if  so,  who  was  she?  Rebecca  (Safhn)  is  said 
to  have  married,  July  26,  1712,  Rev.  Joseph  Baxter,  of  Medfield  (born  1676, 
H.  C.  1693;  died  May  2,  1745).  Can  Bishop  be  an  error  for  Baxter,  or  was 
there  a  fifth  daughter?  If  there  were  five,  one  may  have  died  without  issue 
before  Wyrley  inherited  the  fourth  part  of  Lee's  estate,  already  described  as 
sold  by  him.  —  Eds. 


1686.]  DIAKY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  151 

ers  come  in  a  Coach  from  Roxbury  about  9.  aclock  or  past, 
singing  as  they  come,  being  inflamed  with  Drink  :  At 
Justice  Morgan's  they  stop  and  drink  Healths,  curse, 
swear,  talk  profanely  and  baudily  to  the  great  disturb- 
ance of  the  Town  and  grief  of  good  people.  Such  high- 
handed wickedness  has  hardly  been  heard  of  before  in 
Boston. 

Monday,  Septf  6.  Artillery  Training.  Not  one  old 
Captain  there.  Dartmouth  Frigot  arrives  from  Barmudas 
last  night.  lieut.  Holyoke's  little  Daughter  buried  to- 
day :  died  on  Satterday. 

Tuesday,  Septf  7*^  The  Dartmouth  Frigot  comes  up. 
I  goe  with  my  wife,  Cous.  Ruth,  Savages  and  Mrs.  Baker 
and  their  Children  to  Hog-Iland.  We  put  off  just  as  the 
Frigot  and  Ships  and  Town  Salute  each  other  mutually. 
Got  home  by  9.  aclock. 

I  little  thought  of  its  being  the  day  signed  by  the  Alma- 
nack for  the  Court  of  Assistants,  till  coming  home  I  acci- 
dentally spyed.  It  has  been  a  great  day  of  feasting  on 
Board  Capt.  Head.  Mr.  Lidget  and  Shrimpton  there.  I 
suppose  they  are  little  concerned  for  being  bound  over  in 
the  morn  for  their  Friday  night  Revel.^ 

Monday,  Septf  13,  1686.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  preaches 
the  Election  Sermon  for  the  Artillery,  at  Charlestown, 
from  Ps.  144.  1.  made  a  very  good  Discourse.  President 
and  Deputy  President  there.  As  I  went  in  the  morn  I 
had  Sam.  to  the  Latin  School,  which  is  the  first  time.  Mr. 
Chiever  received  him  gladly.  The  Artillery  Company  had 
like  to  have  been  broken  up ;  the  animosity  so  high  be- 
tween Charlestown  and  Cambridge  Men  about  the  Place 
of  Trainino-.     Were  fain  at  last  to  vote  the  old  Officers  to 


1  General  Sumner,  in  his  "  History  of  East  Boston,"  suggests  that  Sewall 
does  not  write  of  this  alleged  misbehavior  of  Shrimpton  as  of  his  own  per- 
sonal knowledge,  but  probably  heard  of  it  as  an  exaggerated  rumor.  There 
is  no  record  of  any  further  proceedings  in  the  court  against  Shrimpton  on 
this  charge.  —  Eds. 


152  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [16b6. 

Stand  for  next  year,  in  general.  Major  Gookin,  Richards 
and  Self,  by  as  Spectators.     Major  Gookin  to  order. 

Wednesday,  SeptF  15.  Mr.  David  Geffries  ^  marries 
Mrs  Betty  Usher  before  Mr.  Ratcliff. 

Monday,  Septf  20.  The  President,  Deputy  President, 
Capt.  Blackwell,  Councillour  Usher,  Mr.  Moodey,  Lee, 
Morton,  Allen,  Willard,  Cotton  Mather,  and  Self,  goe  and 
visit  Mr.  Baylye  at  Watertown,  and  there  dine. 

Septl"  23.  Lecture  day.  Govf  Bradstreet  is  gone  with 
his  Lady  to  Salem.  President  and  Deputy  President  call'd 
here. 

Sept!"  24.  Friday.  Capt.  Clapp  leaves  the  Castle ;  about 
nine  Guns  fired  at  his  going  off.  It  seems  Capt.  Clap  is 
not  actually  come  away,  but  Capt.  Winthrop,  and  Lieut. 
Thomas  Savage  did  this  day  there  receive  their  Commis- 
sions. 

Satterday,  Sepf  25.  The  Queen's  Birthday  is  celebrated 
by  the  Captains  of  the  Frigots  and  sundry  others  at  Nod- 
dles Hand.  King  and  Council's  Proclamation  of  Nov''  6. 
last,  was  published  by  beat  of  Drum  throw  the  Town  to 
hinder  their  making  Bonfires  in  the  Town  however.  Went 
with  their  Boats  to  the  Ships  and  Vessels  and  caused  them 
to  put  out  their  Ancients.  Many  Guns  fired.  A  kind  of 
Tent  set  up  at  the  Hand  and  a  Flagg  on  the  top  on  't. 
Made  a  great  Fire  in  the  Evening,  many  Hussas. 

Sabbath,  Septf  26.  Mr.  Willard  expresses  great  grief 
in  's  Prayer  for  the  Profanation  of  the  Sabbath  last  night. 
Mr.  Lee  preaches  with  us  in  the  Afternoon  from  Isa.  52.  7. 
Said  that  all  America  should  be  converted,  Mexico  over- 
come, England  sent  over  to  convert  the  Natives,  look  you 


^  David  Jeffries  was  a  new  comer,  born  at  Rhoad,  in  Wiltshire,  vvlio 
arrived  here  May  9,  1677.  A  full  account  of  his  descendants  can  be  found  in 
the  X.  E.  Hist,  and  Gen.  Register,  XV.  14-17.  Among  them  we  may  note 
David  Jeffries,  town  treasurer;  his  son.  Dr.  John  Jeffries,  who  made  the 
celebrated  balloon  voyage  across  the  English  Channel;  and  his  son,  the  late 
eminent  physician,  John  Jeffries,  Jr.  — Eds. 


1686.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  153 

do  it.  Read  in  course  this  day  Cant.  6.  vid.  Bright'm.^ 
fol.  121. 

Septy  27.  Hannah  clambring  to  the  Cupboard's  head 
upon  a  chair  breaks  her  forhead  grievously  just  above  her 
left  Eye  :  'twas  in  the  morn. 

Sept""  28.  Mr.  Edward  Grove  who  kept  the  Salutation, 
dyed  this  day  of  the  bloody  Flux.  Yesterday's  Training 
was  hindred  by  the  Rain.     No  Drumms  beat. 

Wednesday,  Sept''  29.  Set  forth  toward  Narraganset, 
went  to  Woodcock's. 

Ocf  2"^  Mr.  Joseph  Eliot  and  I  went  from  Joseph 
Stanton's  to  Stonington  and  kept  the  Sabbath  with  Mr. 
Noyes. 

Octy  6.  Went  with  Mr.  Byfield  to  Rode-Iland  about 
the  middle  on't,  go  to  Bristow,  there  lodged.  Octf  7. 
Went  to  Newport  and  back  again  to  Mr.  Byfield's.  Octf  8. 
Rode  to  Plat's  Farm.  Oct^  9.  Satterday.  Mr.  Eliot  and 
I  got  home  about  one  aclock,  and  found  all  well.  Soli 
Deo  gloria. 

Sabbath-day,  Octf  10.  By  reason  of  the  Fires  the  Meet- 
ing-Houses  are  much  filled  with  Smoke ;  so  'twas  a 
Lecture-day,  one  might  feel  it  in  ones  eyes.  Mr.  Willard 
preached  in  the  afternoon  from  Ps.  43.  idt. 

Wednesday,  Octy  6.  Mr.  Bayly  is  ordain'd  at  Water- 
town,  but  not  as  Congregational  Men  are. 

Thorsday,  Octy  7.  Deacon  Bright  carrying  home  chairs, 
&c.  used  at  Mr.  Baylys,  is  hurt  by  his  Cart  none  seeing, 
so  that  he  dyes  Octy  9.  Satterday.  It  seems  he  w^as  the 
only  Officer  left  in  that  Church.  Several  of  his  Ribs 
broken. 

Octy  12.     Mr.  Shove  dines  with  us. 

Wednesday,  Octy  13^.^  Carry  Mistress  Bridget  Hoar  be- 
hind me  to  Cambridge-Lecture,  where  Mr.  Lee  preached. 


1  Mr.  Brightman  (called  by  Fuller  William,  by  Neal  Thomas)  wrote  a 
Commentary  on  the  Song  of  Solomon.  —  Eds. 


154  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1666. 

After  Lecture  was  invited  to  Dinner  by  the  late  Deputy 
Governour ;  at  his  Table  sat  down  Deputy  Governour  and 
his  Lady,  Mr.  Lee,  Morton,  Bayly,  Hubbard  of  the  Vil- 
lage, Russell,  Sewall,  Wyllie,  Ballard,  Leverett,  Brattle, 
Williams,  [of]  Derefield.  Mr.  Lee  craved  a  Blessing  and 
returned  Thanks.  Came  home  in  Company  Mr.  Hez. 
Usher  and  Lady,  and  from  widow  Clark's,  with  Capt. 
Eliot  and  his  Sons  Elizur  Holy  ok  e  and  Mr.  Joseph :  got 
home  about  8.  aclock  at  night.  Went  in  Company  of  the 
same  save  Mr.  Hez.  Usher  and  Lady  who  were  not  ready. 

Wednesday,  Sepf  29.  Capt.  Clap  went  to  Dorchester- 
Lecture,  so  to  Boston,  where  he  dwells,  having  actually 
left  the  Castle  this  day  29*^  September.  Guner  Baxter 
also  is  here,  having  laid  down  his  place,  and  both  aged. 

Thorsday,  Octl"  14.  Many  Guns  fired,  and  at  night  a 
Bonfire  on  Noddles  Hand,  in  remembrance  of  the  King's 
Birth-day;  'tis  the  more  remarkable  because  Wednesday 
Octy  13*^  was  the  day  the  Generall  Court  was  adjourn' d  to 
at  8  aclock.  Upon  Thorsday  before  Lecture  the  Guns 
fired;  some  marched  throw  the  Streets  with  Yiols  and 
Drums,  playing  and  beating  by  turns. 

Satterday,  Ocf  16.  Accompanied  Judge  Stoughton  as 
far  as  Dorchester  Burying  place,  at  his  return  from  the 
Eastward. 

Monday,  Octf  18.  Pretty  deal  of  Rain.  Sabbath,  Octf 
17.     Mr.  Edw.  Taylor  preaches  in  the  Forenoon. 

Tuesday,  Ocf"  19.  Wait  on  Major  Richards  to  Brain- 
trey,  where  He  joins  in  Marriage  his  Cousin  John  Hunt 
and  Cousin  Ruth  Quinsey;  present,  Capt.  Quinsey  the 
Father,  Mr.  Fisk  who  pray'd  before  and  after,  his  wife, 
Cap.  Daniel  Quinsey  and  Exper.  Quinsey,  wife,  Capt. 
Savage  and  wife,  Lieut.  Tho.  Hunt  and  wife.  Hunt  of 
Weymouth  and  wife,  Mr.  Sam.  Shepard.  Came  home 
after  Diner.  Wedding  was  about  one  of  the  Clock.  This 
day  Mr.  Smith  and  Butler  come  in  from  London.  I  re- 
ceive Gazetts   next  morn  to  the  26^  of  August.     'Tis 


1686.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  155 

reported  that  the  King-Fisher  ^  rides  no  longer  Admiral  in 
the  Downs  as  being  ready  to  sail  and  bring  Sir  Edmund 
Andros  our  Governour. 

Satterday  night,  Oct"^  23,  about  7  aclock  the  Frigot  fires 
many  Guns,  Drums  and  Trumpets  going.  I  heard  the 
Guns. 

Sabbath-day,  Oct^  24.  A  Man  Swoons  in  our  Meeting- 
House,  and  falls  down,  which  makes  much  disturbance,  yet 
Mr.  Willard  breaks  not  off  preaching. 

Tuesday,  Oct^  26.  I  set  sweet-briar  seeds  at  the  Pas- 
ture by  Mr.  Saunderson's,  next  the  Lane  at  the  upper 
end.  Little  red  Heifer  is  this  day  brought  from  Brain- 
trey  to  be  killed. 

Ocf^  29.  Mr.  Sam!  Danforth  preaches  at  the  Meeting 
at  Cousin  Quinsey's,  Luke  3.  8. 

Friday,  Nov^  5.  Mr.  Morton  is  ordained  the  Pastor  of 
the  Church  at  Charlestown  ;  Propounded  to  the  Church 
and  to  all  if  any  had  to  object;  then  the  Churches  Vote  was 
had  ;  Mr.  Mather  gave  him  his  charge,  Mr.  Allen,  Moodey, 
Willard  pray'd.  Mr.  Morton's  Text  was  out  of  Rom.  1.16. 
Took  occasion  to  speak  of  the  5*^  of  November  very  pith- 
ily, and  said  the  just  contrary  to  that  Epistle  was  taught 
and  practised  at  Rome.  Mr.  Mather  spoke  in  praise  of 
the  Congregational  w^ay,  and  said  were  [he]  as  Mr.  Mor- 
ton, he  would  have  Hands  laid  on  him.  Mr.  Moodey  in  's 
prayer  said,  though  that  which  would  have  been  gratefull 
to  many  was  omitted,  or  to  that  purpose.^  I  dined  about 
3.  or  4.  aclock  at  Mr.  Russel's. 


1  The  "  Kingfisher"  was  the  vessel  which  brought  Andros  hither.  She 
is  not  in  the  navy  list  of  1677,  but,  in  1692,  is  called  a  fourth-rate,  664  tons 
burthen,  with  220  men  and  46  guns.  — Eds. 

^  In  using  the  word  ordained  in  connection  with  the  induction  of  the  Rev. 
Charles  Morton  to  the  pastorate  of  the  church  in  Charlestown,  Sewall  obscures 
the  explanation  of  what  seems  to  have  been  objectionable  to  him,  as  well  as 
to  ]\Ir.  Mather,  in  the  services  on  the  occasion.  Mr.  Morton  was  at  the  time 
sixty  years  of  age.  He  was  born  at  Pendevy,  Cornwall,  in  1626.  His  father 
and  two  of  his  brothers  were  clergymen  of  the  Church.     As  a  Fellow  of 


156  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1686. 

Friday,  Nov^  5.  One  Mr.  Clark  [of  the  English  Church] 
preaches  at  the  Town-House.  Speaks  much  against  the 
Presbyterians  in  England  and  here. 

Satterday,  Nov^  6.  One  Kobison  Esqr.,  that  came  from 
Antego,  is  buried;  first  was  had  to  the  Town-House 
and  set  before  the  Pulpit,  where  Mr.  Buckley  preached. 
The  President  and  many  others  there.  Common-Prayer 
used. 

Monday,  Nov^  8.  Lewis  arrives.  I  have  a  Gazett  to 
the  6*.^  of  September,  by  which  are  inform'd  of  the  taking 
of  Buda  [by  the  Imperialists],  which  heard  of  before  by  a 
vessel  from  Bilbao. 

Nov^  9.  Mr.  Shove  at  our  house,  went  on  to  Roxbury, 
after  had  sat  with  me  awhile.  I  am  ill  of  a  Cold  I  took 
on  Friday,  lies  much  in  ni}^  head. 

Thorsday,  Nov^  11.  I  deliver'd  my  Commission  to  the 
Council,  desiring  them  to  appoint  a  Captain  for  the  South- 
Company  ;  left  it  with  them  to  put  'em  in  mind  on't.  As 
was  coming  home  Capt.  Hill  invited  me  to  his  House  where 
unexpectly  I  found  a  good  Supper.  Capt.  Hutchinson, 
Townsend,  Savage,  Wing  and  sundry  others  to  the  num- 
ber of  14  or  15,  were  there.  After  Supper  sung  the 
46*.^  Ps. 


AVadham  College,  Oxford,  where  he  was  distinguished  for  mathematical  and 
general  scholarship,  he  was  also  very  zealous  for  the  church  rites  and  cere- 
monies. Siding  afterwards  with  the  Puritans,  he  was  ejected  from  his  min- 
istry at  Blisland  by  the  Act  of  Uniformity  of  1662.  Removing  to  London, 
he  for  several  years  had  a  most  successful  academy  at  N"ewington  Green,  edu- 
catirg  many  ministers  and  many  distinguished  pupils,  among  them  the  famous 
De  Foe.  He  came  to  this  country  with  a  view  to  the  Presidency  of  Hai-vard 
College;  but,  as  under  the  rule  of  Andros  he  was  politically  obnoxious,  the 
office  of  Vice-President  was  created  for  him.  The  earlier  ministers  of  the 
colony,  beginning  with  Wilson,  though  they  had  been  regularly  ordained  in 
England,  considered  a  reordination,  by  the  imposition  of  hands,  requisite 
when  they  assumed  the  pastorate  of  a  particular  church.  Though  the  feeling 
in  favor  of  the  precedent  was  a  strong  one,  Morton  objected  to  it,  and  he  set 
the  example  of  a  method  which  has  since  been  known  among  Congregation- 
alists  in  the  resettlement  of  a  ministei  previously  ordained  as  an  installation. 
—  Eds. 


1686.]  DIAEY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  157 

Friday,  Nov^  12.  I  go  to  the  Meeting  at  the  School- 
house. 

Jn''  Griffin  is  this  week  buried  with  the  Comon-Prayer : 
Which  is  the  third  funeral  of  this  sort,  as  far  as  I  can 
learn. 

In  the  Preamble  to  the  Order  for  the  Thanksgiving,  are 
these  words  —  As  also  for  that  His  Majesties  Kingdoms, 
and  other  His  Majesties  Plantations,  flourish  in  all  happy 
peace  and  tranquillity.     It  is  therefore  ordered  &c. 

Nov^  10,  1686.     Second  year  of  His  Majesties  Reign. 

Tuesday,  Nov^  16.  I  goe  to  Roxbury  Lecture,  and  hear 
Mr.  Eliot,  the  father,  pray  and  preach.  Came  home  with 
Mr.  Moodey.  This  day  Gardener  arrives  and  brings  Ga- 
zetts  to  the  16*.^  of  September,  in  one  of  which  is  that  on 
the  13*.!"  of  September  His  Majestic  accepted  of  Rode-Iland 
Surrender  by  their  Address.  At  night  Brother  Longfellow 
lodges  here. 

Wednesday,  Nov^  17.  At  parting  I  give  him  2  French 
crowns  and  15'  English  money,  and  writt  to  Stephen  to 
furnish  him  with  cloths  to  the  value  of  £5.,  and  charg'd 
him  to  be  frugal. 

Nov^  18.  Jn^  Neponet,  alias  Nemasit,  executed.  Mr. 
Eliot  hopes  well  of  him. 

This  day  sent  for  my  Coat  home  from  Capt.  Gerrishes, 
where  I  suppose  I  left  it  the  25*:^  May,  and  now  the  cold 
wether  made  me  look  after  it. 

Friday,  Nov^  19.  Went  to  Capt.  Gerrish  and  paid  him 
18d.,  which  laid  out  for  crying  my  Coat,  from  thence  Elia- 
kim  calls  me  to  Mr.  Moodey,  so  we  together  viewed  the 
Eclips.  As  to  the  time  and  digits  the  Cambridge  Alma- 
nack rightest ;  had  he  not  unhappily  said  'twould  not  be 
visible.  Clouds  hindered  between  whiles  that  could  not 
so  well  see  how  much  the  Moon  eclipsed,  but  when  near 
half  darkened,  and  when  emerging,  had  a  good  view. 

This  night  Eliza  Damon,  servant  to  Nash  the  Currier, 
d^'es  about  midnight  of  the  small  pocks,  to  our  great  start- 


158  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1686. 

ling,  lest  it  should  spread  as  in  1678.  Had  hop'd  the 
Town  was  clear  of  it.  But  one  that  I  know  of  dyed  on't 
before,  and  that  a  great  while  since. 

Satterday,  Nov^  20.  Capt.  Davis  buries  his  Serjeant, 
Henry  Messenger,  in  arms. 

Tuesday  night,  Nov^  23.     Mr.  James  Whetcomb  dyes. 

Wednesday,  24.     Robert  Combs  taken  up  drown'd. 

Thorsday,  25.     Public  Thanksgiving. 

Friday,  Nov^  26.     Marshal  arrives  from  England. 

Monday,  Nov^  29.  Mr.  Whetcomb  buried.  Coffin  was 
lin'd  with  Cloth  on  the  outside,  and  below  the  Name  and 
year  a  St.  Andrew's  Cross  made,  with  what  intent  I  can't 
tell.  Bearers,  Mr.  Wharton,  Joyliff,  Hutchinson  J"^^-  Paige, 
Sergeant,  Nelson.  Gave  scarvs  to  the  President,  Mr. 
Bradstreet  and  the  Ministers,  and  Mr.  Oakes.  Should 
have  been  buried  on  Friday,  but  the  storm  of  rain  hin- 
dred. 

This  day  W™  Clendon  the  Barber  and  Perriwig-maker 
dies  miserably,  being  almost  eat  up  with  Lice  and  stupi- 
fied  with  Drink  and  cold.  Sat  in  the  watch-house  and 
was  there  gaz'd  on  a  good  part  of  the  day,  having  been 
taken  up  the  night  before. 

Dec!"  8,  1686.  Going  to  Cambridge-Lecture,  a  little 
beyond  Daniel  Champney's  I  saw  a  Rainbow  to  the  North, 
being  just  about  Noon :  only  Here.  Simons  with  me  just 
then  ;  but  Capt.  Eliot  and  Mr.  Tho.  Oliver  saw  it,  with 
whom  rid  over  the  Causeys.  Mr.  Oliver  said  he  had  not 
before  noted  a  Rainbow  in  the  North.  Cloud  rose  sud- 
denly very  black  and  hail'd  afterward.  Ministers  pray 
together  at  Boston  this  day. 

Sabbath,  Dec^  12.  Clutterbuck  arrives,  brings  news  of 
Capt.  Jener's  death.  Widow  Winsley's  Son  :  ^  and  that  the 

1  Capt.  Thomas  Jenner,  of  Charlestown,  has  been  traced  by  Mr.  W.  S. 
Appleton,  in  N.  E.  Hist,  and  Gen.  Register,  XIX.  246,  but  without  success 
as  to  explaining  the  relationship  with  the  Wensleys.  Jenner  was  a  noted 
shipmaster,  and  brought  John  Dunton  to  this  country.  —  Eds. 


I 


1686.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  159 

Capt.  of  the  Kings-fisher  expected  to  sail  in  a  day  or  two : 
this  was  Oct^  13,  and  then  in  the  Downs.  Mr.  Cotton 
Mather  preaches  with  us. 

Dec^  13.  Mr.  Mather,  Willard,  Mr.  Cotton  Mather, 
Mr.  Moodey,  AlHn  visit  me.     Very  pleasant  wether. 

Tuesday,  Dec^  14.  Capt.  Legg  arrives,  who  brings  60 
Beds  for  Soldiers,  and  a  considerable  quantity  of  Goods 
for  the  Governour.  120  Soldiers  to  come.  This  day  Mrs. 
Crines,  Mr.  Bering's  Daughter,  dies  of  the  Small  Pocks. 

Sabbath,  Dec^  19,  1686.  Day  of  the  Fort-fight.  As  I 
was  reading  the  Exposition  of  Habakkuk  3'!,  which  this 
morn  sung  and  read  in  the  family,  I  heard  a  great  Gun 
or  two,  as  I  supposed,  which  made  me  think  Sir  Edmund 
might  be  come ;  but  none  of  the  family  speaking  of  it,  I 
held  my  peace.  Going  to  Mr.  Bradstreet's,  Tho.  Baker 
told  me  Sir  Edmund  was  below,  which  Winchcomb  and 
Brisco  confirmed ;  said  they  saw  the  Frigot  with  the 
Flagg  in  the  main  Top,  and  sundry  gon  down.  Presi- 
dent and  Deputy  come  to  Town ;  President  comes  and 
hears  Mr.  Willard,  whoes  Text  was  Heb.  11.  12.  There- 
fore sprang  there  of  one  &c.  113.  Psalm  sung.  Mr.  Wil- 
lard said  he  was  fully  persuaded  and  confident  God  would 
not  foro-et  the  Faith  of  those  who  came  first  to  New  Eno;- 
land,  but  would  remember  their  Posterity  with  kindness. 
One  Doct.  Faith  usually  reaps  the  greatest  Crops  off  the 
barrenest  Ground.  Between  Sermons,  the  President  and 
several  of  the  Council  goe  down.  Mr.  Lee  preaches  with  us 
in  the  Afternoon  from  Zech.  3.  9,  10. 

Mercy  Lincorn  and  [blank]  Dinsdale  baptized.  Jn" 
Eastman  taken  into  Church,  Mrs.  Harris  as  to  her  owning 
the  Covenant  dismissed.  A  youth,  one  Bradish,  of  about 
10.  years  old,  that  was  drowned,  buried.  Fine,  serene, 
moderate  wether. 

Mr.  Secretary  indispos'd,  so  I  wait  on  Madam  Bradstreet 
morn,  and  even.     Capt.  Wing  absent. 

Monday,  Dec^  20.  1686.     Governour  Andros  comes  np 


160  DIARY    OF   SxVMUEL    SEWALL.  [1686. 

in  the  Pinace,  touches  at  the  Castle,  Lands  at  Gov^  Lev- 
eret's wharf  about  2  P.M.  where  the  President,  &c.  meet 
him  and  so  march  up  through  the  Guards  of  the  8  Com- 
panyes  to  the  Town  House/  where  part  of  the  Comission 

1  The  Town  House  of  Boston  has  been  the  scene  of  so  many  stirring  events 
as  to  merit  a  slight  sketch  of  its  history.  In  1636,  mention  is  made  of  the 
market-place;  and  the  "  Book  of  Possessions  "  shows  that  this  was  the  space 
at  the  head  of  om-  present  State  Street.  In  1642,  as  Lechford  tells  us,  "  the 
general  and  great  quarter  courts  were  kept  in  the  church  meeting-house  in 
Boston."  This  was  undoubtedly  the  first  meeting-house  which  stood  on  the 
south  side  of  the  market-place,  where  Brazer's  block  now  is.  In  1640,  this 
house  was  abandoned  for  one  on  a  new  site,  now  covered  by  Joy's  building, 
on  Washington  Street. 

Robert  Keayne,  by  his  will,  proved  May  2,  1656,  gave  money  for  building 
a  hall  over  the  market-place,  "with  rooms  for  the  Courts,  the  Town's  men 
and  Commissioners  and  a  Library,  also  an  Armory  and  a  place  for  Mer- 
chants." 

Jan.  9,  1656-7,  "  Capt  Savage,  Mr.  Howchin  and  Mr.  Ed.  Hutchinson, 
sen.,  are  chosen  a  committee  to  consider  of  the  modell  of  the  towne  house,  to 
bee  built,  as  concerning  the  charge  therof ,  and  the  most  convenient  place,  as 
also  to  take  the  subscription  of  the  inhabitants  to  propogate  such  a  buildings, 
and  seasonably  to  make  report  to  a  publick  townes  meeting."  Boston  Rec- 
ords, printed  ed.,  p.  134. 

Jan.  28,  1660-1.  "  In  reference  to  the  accounts  of  Tho.  Joy  and  partner 
for  the  building  of  the  towne  house,  stayre  cases  and  Conduit  and  the  com- 
pleating  of  the  said  worke,"  it  is  ordered  that  the  Treasurer  pay  him  £680 
in  full.     Ibid.,  p.  158. 

May  19,  1658,  the  General  Court  passed  an  order,  as  follows  (Rec,  IV. 
part  1,  p.  327):  — 

"  In  answer  to  the  request  of  the  Select  men  of  Boston,  the  court  judgeth 
it  meet  to  allow  unto  Boston,  for  and  towards  the  charges  of  their  town  house, 
Bostons  proportion  of  one  single  country  rate  for  this  year  ensuing,  provided 
that  sufficient  rooms  in  the  said  house  shall  be  forever  free  for  the  keeping 
of  all  Courts,  and  also  that  the  place  underneath  shall  be  free  for  all  inhabi- 
tants in  this  jurisdiction  to  make  use  of  as  a  market  for  ever,  without  payment 
of  any  toll  or  tribute  whatsoever." 

We  may  presume  that  the  Legislature  soon  took  possession  of  the  room 
provided;  certainly  Josselyn,  in  his  "  Two  Voyages  to  New  England  "  (Lon- 
don, 1675),  writes,  that  there  is  a  "  Town  house  built  upon  pillars,  where  the 
merchants  may  confer;  in  the  chambers  above  they  keep  their  monthly 
courts."     Dunton,  eleven  years  later,  copies  this  account. 

Oct.  9,  1667,  the  Legislature  ordered  "  the  necessary  full  and  suitable 
repair  of  the  Town  and  Court  House  in  Boston,  founded  by  the  late  Captain 
Robert  Keayne,"  one-half  of  the  expense  to  be  paid  by  the  country,  one- 
quarter  by  the  county  of  Suffolk,  one-quarter  by  the  town  of  Boston.  May 
31,  1671,  they  ordered,  on  the  same  terms,  "by  a  firm,  whole  wall  to  the 


1686.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  161 

read  :  He  hath  power  to  suspend  Councillors  and  to  ap- 
point others  if  the  number  be  reduced  to  less  than  Seven. 

bottom  of  the  braces,  with  brick  or  stone,  to  repair  the  Court  or  Town  house 
so  that  all  inconveniences  by  rotting  the  timbers  &c  be  prevented."  As  the 
place  of  meeting  of  the  Council,  as  well  as  the  representatives,  the  old  town- 
house  was  the  scene  of  great  events.  On  Dec.  20,  1686,  Governor  Andros 
landed,  and  was  escorted  to  the  town-house.  Here  he  and  his  Council,  for 
some  twenty-eight  months,  ruled  New  England.  Here, '  jo,  on  the  18th  April , 
1689,  began  the  revolution  which  overthrew  arbitra''/  government.  About 
noon,  in  the  gallery  at  the  Council  House,  was  read  the  "  declaration  "  de- 
posing Andros,  and  here  he  was  brought  as  a  captive  that  day. 

In  November,  1693,  the  Legislature  provided  for  keeping  up  the  building, 
the  province  paying  one-half  the  expense.     The  preamble  is  as  follows :  — 

"  Whereas  the  town  house  in  Boston,  within  the  county  of  Suffolk,  has 
formerly  been,  and  is  still  continued  to  be,  made  use  of  for  the  holdings  of 
councils,  courts  of  judicature  and  other  public  assemblies  for  the  whole  prov- 
ince, and  has  been  accustomed  to  be  upheld  and  repaired  in  part  at  the  charge 
of  the  late  colony,  etc." 

This  building,  of  wood,  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1711.  The  next  year,  a 
brick  town-house  was  built  on  the  same  spot  and  for  similar  uses.  In  1719, 
Neal  described  it  as  "  The  Town  House  or  Exchange,  a  fine  piece  of  Build- 
ing, containing,  besides  the  Walk  for  the  Merchants,  the  Council  Chamber, 
the  House  of  Commons  and  another  spacious  room  for  Sessions  of  the  Courts 
of  Justice.  The  exchange  is  surrounded  with  Booksellers'  shops,  which  have 
a  good  Trade." 

The  booksellers,  we  may  add,  had  long  been  in  that  locality.  Avery, 
Phillips,  Wilkins,  Browning,  Elliot,  Perry,  and  several  others,  before  1700, 
had  shops  under  or  near  the  town-house. 

On  Dec.  9,  1747,  a  fire  took  place,  which  destroyed  all  of  the  building 
except  the  walls.  Many  of  the  original  records  of  the  Legislature  to  that 
date  were  destroyed,  and  probably  some  other  offices  suffered  to  a  certain 
extent.  In  the  "  Historical  Magazine  "  for  September,  1868,  will  be  found 
a  copy  of  the  contemporary  statement  about  the  fire. 

In  1742,  the  town  of  Boston  received  the  noble  gift  of  Faneuil  Hall,  in- 
tended for  a  market  and  a  town-hall;  and  the  separation  of  the  town  and 
province  buildings  must  have  been  effected  at  that  time. 

Although  from  that  date  of  1742  the  town  memories  may  cling  to  Faneuil 
Hall,  the  Old  State  House  was,  for  fifty  years  longer,  the  seat  of  government. 
Here  the  provincial  Legislature  sat  and  organized  revolution;  here,  also,  the 
first  sessions  of  the  State  Legislatures  were  held.  Finally,  on  the  11th  of 
January,  1798,  the  several  branches  of  the  General  Court  marched  in  proces- 
sion from  the  Old  State  House  to  the  new  State  House,  and  the  fame  of  its 
site  was  eclipsed.  The  town  continued  to  use  Faneuil  Hall,  and  there  the 
first  city  government  was  organized.  In  1830,  the  Old  State  House  was  con- 
verted into  a  city  hall,  and  so  remained  until  1840,  when  the  present  locality, 
before  occupied  by  a  court-house,  was  taken  for  a  structure  for  that  purpose. 
—  Eds. 

11 


162  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1686. 

He  and  Council  to  make  Laws.  Then  took  the  Oath  of 
Allegiance  and  as  Governour,  then  about  eight  of  the 
Council  sworn.  Court  clear'd.  Governour  stood  with 
his  Hat  on  when  Oaths  given  to  Councillours.  It  seems 
speaks  to  the  Ministers  in  the  Library  about  accommodation 
as  to  a  Meeting-house  [for  church  services],  that  might  so 
contrive  the  time  as  one  House  might  serve  two  Assemblies. 

Last  Satterdaj,  Mr.  Cook  not  prosecuting  his  Appeal, 
Possession  was  given  by  Major  Bulkly  and  Marshal  Green, 
of  the  Farm  to  Capt.  Paige  and  his  wife.  The  Consta- 
bles were  ordered  this  day  to  come  and  take  new  Staves, 
little  thinking  the  Government  should  have  been  before 
altered,  or  at  this  time.  Mr.  Nath.  Oliver  was  the  person 
first  spyed  the  Frigot  under  sail  about  7  mane  Sabbath- 
day,  knowing  her  by  the  Flagg  ;  he  went  to  Capt.  Davis, 
Capt.  Davis  to  the  President.  Governour  was  in  a  Scarlet 
Coat  Laced  ;  several  others  were  in  Scarlet.  Mr.  Brad- 
street  and  Mr.  Danforth  there,  to  meet  the  Governour  at 
the  Wharf.  At  Dinner  Mr.  Mather  crav'd  a  Blessing. 
The  day  was  serene,  but  somewhat  cold.  Major  Richards 
made  the  South-Company  change  their  Colours  for  the 
8*^  Colours.     Andrew  Gardner  led  them. 

Tuesday,  Dec^  21.  There  is  a  Meeting  at  Mr.  Allen's, 
of  the  Ministers  and  four  of  each  Congregation,  to  con- 
sider what  answer  to  give  the  Governour;  and  'twas 
agreed  that  could  not  with  a  good  conscience  consent 
that  our  Meeting-Houses  should  be  made  use  of  for  the 
Common-Prayer  Worship. 

Dec^  22.  Kings-fisher  comes  up  but  neither  salutes  the 
Castle  nor  the  Town.  In  the  evening  Mr.  Mather  and 
Willard  thorowly  discoursed  his  Excellency  about  the 
Meeting-Houses  in  great  plainess,  showing  they  could 
not  consent.  This  was  at  his  Lodging  at  Madam  Tay- 
lor's.^    He  seems  to  say  will  not  impose. 

1  Madam  Taylor  was  undoubtedly  Mrs.  Rebecca,  widow  of  that  William 
Tailer  or  Taylor,  who  was  a  great  Boston  merchant,  and  who  committed  sui- 


1686.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  163 

Friday,  Dec^  24.  About  60  Eed-Coats  are  brought  to 
Town,  landed  at  Mr.  Pool's  Wharf,  where  drew  up  and 
so  marched  to  Mr.  Gibbs's  house  at  Fort-hill. 

Satterday,  Dec^  25.  Governour  goes  to  the  To^vn-House 
to  Service  Forenoon  and  Afternoon,  a  Red-Coat  going  on 
his  right  hand  and  Capt.  George  on  the  left.  Was  not  at 
Lecture  on  Thorsday.  Shops  open  today  generally  and 
persons  about  their  occasions.  Some,  but  few.  Carts  at 
Town  with  wood,  though  the  day  exceeding  fair  and 
pleasant.  Read  in  the  morn  the  46.  and  47.  of  Isa.,  and 
at  night  Mr.  Norton  from  Jn°  9.  3.  Neither  this  Man  nor 
his  Parents. 

Thorsday,  Dec^  30.  The  Council  meets.  Gentlemen 
from  Plimouth  and  Rhode-Hand  here  and  take  their  Oaths 
without  any  Ceremony,  perhaps  for  sake  of  the  Quakers, 
who  have  promised  to  deliver  up  their  Charter.  Mr. 
Lee  preaches  the  Lecture  from  Isa.  4.  5,  6.     But  the 


cide  July  12,  1682,  as  is  fully  stated  in  Noadiah  Russell's  diary,  printed  in 
N".  E.  Hist,  and  Gen.  Register,  YII.  56.  She  was  daughter  of  Israel  Stough- 
ton,  of  Dorchester  (see  Register,  Vol.  XVII.  p.  289),  and  sister  and  co-heiress 
of  WiUiam  Stoughton,  the  lieutenant-governor. 

By  Suffolk  Deeds,  Lib.  21,  f.  622,  it  seems  that  Stoughton's  heirs  divided 
his  estate  July  17,  1704,  and  they  were  William  Tailer,  of  Dorchester;  John 
Nelson  and  wife  Elizabeth,  of  Boston;  Rev.  John  Danforth  and  wife  Eliza- 
beth, of  Dorchester;  Thomas  Cooper  and  wife  Mehitable,  of  Boston. 

These  four  represent  the  two  sisters  of  Stoughton,  AA'illiam  Tailer  and 
Elizabeth  Xelson  being  the  children  of  Rebecca  Tailer,  and  Elizabeth  Dan- 
forth and  Mehitable  Cooper  being  the  children  of  Hannah  Stoughton  and 
James  Minot. 

William  Tailer,  the  son,  was  lieutenant-governor,  and  died  March  1, 
1731-2,  aged  fifty-five.  He  married  first  a  daughter  of  Xathaniel  Byfield, 
and  secondly,  Abigail,  widow  of  Thomas  Dudley  and  daughter  of  Benjamin 
Gillam  (Register,  XIX.  254),  by  whom  he  left  issue. 

The  Stoughton  property  was  mostly  in  Dorchester;  but  Cooper  received  a 
brick  house,  called  the  Green  Dragon,  occupied  by  Samuel  Tyley;  a  brick 

house  next  it,  occupied  by Duncan;  a  wooden  house  below  it,  next  to 

the  Mill  Pond,  occupied  by  John  Draper  and  John  Garrett;  and  a  house 
on  ]Mill-Bridge  Street,  over  against  the  Star  Tavern,  occupied  by  James 
Fowler. 

The  question  of  the  location  of  Mrs.  Tailer's  house,  occupied  for  a  time 
by  Andros,  will  be  considered  later.  —  Eds. 


164  DIARY  OF  SAMUEL  SEWALL.  [168^. 

Governour  and  most  of  the  Coimcillours  absent.  Mr. 
Stoughton,  Gov^  Hinkley,  Mr.  Usher  and  some  other  at 
Lecture. 

Satterday,  January  1,  [1687].  Took  Capt.  Elisha 
Hutchinson  with  me  and  went  to  Jn'^  Alcocke,  talked 
througly  with  him  about  his  ill  courses.  Told  him  by 
reason  of  our  fear  of  the  Small  Pocks  must  fetch  his  chest 
away ;  would  have  had  him  done  it  then,  but  he  would 
not,  yet  promis'd  to  do  it  Monday  next. 

Monday,  Jan.  3,  168f .  Jn""  Alcocke  not  coming,  Eobert 
Saunderson  carries  home  his  Trunk  and  Chest  with  Cloaths, 
Books,  Papers. 

Wednesday,  Jan.  5.  Sam.  is  taken  ill  of  a  Fever  and 
we  fear  the  Small  Pocks. 

Jan.  6.  I  sup  at  Capt.  Wing's  with  Capt.  Hutchinson, 
Philhps,  Townsend,  Turell,  Prout,  Sugars,  Hill.  Major 
Wally  came  in  afterward. 

Friday,  Jan.  7^.^.  I  went  to  Capt.  Winthrop's  upon 
business,  and  the  Governour  happen'd  to  be  there,  Capt. 
Winthrop  had  me  up  to  him,  so  I  thankfully  acknowledged 
the  protection  and  peace  we  enjoyed  under  his  Excellen- 
cie's  Government.  Capt.  Wing  waited  on  him  at  the  same 
time  about  a  Man  slain  at  Worster  yesterday  by  a  Logs 
rolling  upon  and  over  him  which  he  just  before  had  cut 
off.  Capt.  Davis  carries  his  wife  out  of  Town  for  fear  of 
the  Small  Pocks,  she  being  with  Child.  This  day  Dame 
Walker  is  taken  so  ill  that  she  sends  home  my  Daughters, 
not  being  able  to  teach  them. 

Sabbath,  Jan.  9.  Goe  to  Mr.  Mather's  Church  and 
there  sit  down  with  them  at  the  Lord's  Super.  Mr.  Cot- 
ton Mather  preach'd  and  administred.  Text  was  the 
Words  of  Thomas,  My  Lord  and  my  God.  'Twas  a  com- 
fortable day.  Mr.  Brown,  the  Scot,  preached  in  the  after- 
noon. Micah  4.  5.  Scope  was  to  shew  that  the  Errors 
of  the  Times  should  incite  them  to  more  strict  Godliness 
in  their  whole  conversation. 


1C8}.]  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  165 

Thorsday,  January  13, 168  f^.  Co  us.  Savage's  wife  buried 
in  Major  Savage's  Tomb.  Capt.  Hutchinson,  Self,  Town- 
send,  Turell,  Davis,  James  Hill,  Bearers.  Died  yesterday 
morn  about  4.  aclock  of  the  Small  Pocks ;  came  out  upon 
her  about  a  week  ago,  two  or  three  dayes  after  her  Travail. 
Suppose  this  to  be  the  first  Funeral  Gov^  Andros  has  been 
at,  Blew-Coats  going  before  him.  The  Charter  is  demanded 
and  the  Duplicate,  last  Monday  or  Tuesday.  Though  some 
say  'tis  not  so. 

Tuesday,  January  18,  168f .  Between  two  and  three 
in  the  Afternoon,  for  near  an  hour  together,  was  seen  in  a 
clear  Skie  such  a  Rainbow,  Parelions  and  Circles  as  ware 
on  January  2.  168|.  In  the  night  following  falls  a  snow, 
not  much.  I  was  at  the  North-end  when  I  first  saw  it. 
People  were  gazing  at  it  from  one  end  of  the  Town  to 
tother. 

Wednesday  is  snowy  storm,  but  not  much  falls.  Mr. 
Stoughton  and  Dudley  and  Capt.  Eliot  and  Self,  go  to 
Muddy-River  to  Andrew  Gardener's,  where  'tis  agreed 
that  12£  only,  in  or  as  Money,  be  levyed  on  the  people 
by  a  Rate  towards  maintaining  a  School  to  teach  to  write 
and  read  English.  Andrew  Gardener,  Jn?  White,  Tho. 
Stedmand  are  chosen  to  manage  their  affairs.  Boilston 
Clark,  Capt.  Eliot  and  I,  formerly  chosen  with  Stedmand, 
refuse. 

Thorsday,  January  20.  Mr.  Lee  preaches  the  Lecture. 
Eccles  7.  13.  From  whence  exhorted  to  quietness  under 
God's  hand  :  about  middle  of  Sermon  fire  was  cry'd,  which 
made  a  great  disturbance,  by  many  rushing  out.  'Twas 
only  a  chimney  I  think.  Spake  of  the  inverted  Rainbow, 
God  shooting  at  sombody.  And  that  our  Times  better 
than  the  former,  and  expected  better  still,  Turks  going 
down,  a  sign  on't :  Jews  call'd,  and  to  inhabit  Judea  and 
old  Jerusalem. 

Satterday,  22.  Governour  and  Mr.  Dudley  ride  in  a 
Sled.     Zebit's  Letters  came  to  hand  last  Thorsday,  Janu- 


166  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [168f. 

ary  20.  brings  Gazetts  to  the  4*1"  Nov^  came  out  of  the 
Downs  16^?.  In  them  is  the  Parhaments  Prorogue  to  15*? 
February,  and  Taking  of  Napoh  di  Romania  [by  the  Yene- 
fcians  from  the  Turks]. 

Sabbath,  Jan.  23.  Sun  rises  extreamly  red  so  as  I 
think  I  have  not  seen  it  before. 

Tuesday,  January  25.  This  day  is  kept  for  St.  Paul, 
and  the  Bell  was  rung  in  the  Morning  to  call  persons  to 
Service.  The  Governour  (I  am  told)  was  there.  Court 
sits  in  the  Afternoon ;  suppose  through  the  extraordinary 
cold,  snowy,  blustering  wether  yesterday,  Persons  con- 
cern'd  were  not  got  together. 

Thorsday,  Jan.  27.  At  night  between  10.  and  11.  was 
a  grievous  Alarm  of  Fire,  by  reason  of  Mistress  Thacher's 
chimney  greatly  blazing  out. 

Friday,  Jan.  28.  Mr.  Moodey  and  I  goe  to  visit  Mr. 
Morton  at  Charlestown,  went  on  the  Ice  from  Broughton's 
Warehouse.  I  came  home  upon  a  Streight  Line  from  his 
House  to  Boston. 

Satterday,  Jan.  29.  Haiiah  not  well,  vomits  and  hath 
Qualms. 

Sabbath,  January  30*.?  168 f-.  About  |-  past  eight  at 
night  my  wife  is  delivered  of  a  Son,  Eliza.  Weeden,  Mid- 
wife. Was  fine  moderate  wether  though  had  been  very 
severe  for  near  a  week  together  before.  My  wife  sent 
not  for  the  Midwife  till  near  7.  at  night.  But  one  staid 
at  home  with  her,  though  was  not  well  most  part  of  the 
day.  The  child  large,  so  my  wive's  safe  delivery  is  much 
to  be  heeded,  considering  our  former  fears.  'Twas  much 
another  had  not  intercepted  the  Midwife,  to  whom  went 
from  us. 

Monday,  January  31.  There  is  a  Meeting  at  the  Town- 
house forenoon  and  afternoon.  Bell  rung  for  it,  respecting 
the  beheading  Charles  the  First.  Governour  there,  very 
bad  going  by  reason  of  the  watery  snow.  Joseph  Brisco's 
wife  gives  my  son  suck. 


16Sf.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  167 

Feb.  1.  Last  night,  or  very  early  this  morning,  Mistress 
Luscomb  dyes,  so  that  now  Mr.  Kellond  hath  neither  Child 
nor  Grandchild  left. 

Thorsday,  Feb.  3.  Spring  Tides  shake  the  Ice  and  car- 
ries away  part ;  near  night  it  suddainly  breaks  away  to 
the  outward  Wharfs  more  suddenly  than  hath  usually 
been  known. 

Friday,  Feb.  4.  A  woman  found  dead  under  the  Ice 
within  the  Wharfs.  A  Souldier  falls  into  the  Ice  and  is 
drowned.     Mrs.  Luscomb  buried. 

Satterday,  Feb.  5.     I  visit  Mr.  Stoughton. 

Thorsday,  Feb.  3.  Mr.  West  comes  to  Town  from  New 
York. 

Sabbath,  Feb.  6.  Between  ^  hour  after  11.  and  ^  hour 
after  12.  at  Noon,  many  Scores  of  great  Guns  fired  at  the 
Castle  and  Town,  suppose  upon  account  of  the  King's 
entring  on  the  third  year  of  his  Reign. 

Feb.  6,  168f .  Between  3.  and  4.  P.M.  Mr.  Willard  bap- 
tise th  my  Son,  whom  I  named  Stephen.  Day  was  Louring 
after  the  storm,  but  not  freezing.  Child  shrunk  at  the 
water  but  cryed  not.  His  Brother  Sam.  shew'd  the  Mid- 
wife who  carried  him,  the  way  to  the  Pew,  I  held  him  up. 
Thomas  Bumsted  was  baptiz'd  at  the  same  time.  This 
day  the  Lord's  Super  was  administered  at  the  middle  and 
North  Meeting-Houses ;  the  ratling  of  the  Guns  during 
almost  all  the  time,  gave  them  great  disturbance.  'Twas 
never  so  in  Boston  before. 

Feb.  15,  168  f^.  Jos.  Maylem  carries  a  Cock  at  his  back, 
with  a  Bell  in  's  hand,  in  the  Main  Street ;  several  follow 
him  blindfold,  and  under  pretence  of  striking  him  or  's 
cock,  with  great  cart-whips  strike  passengers,  and  make 
great  disturbance.^ 


1  As  this  was  on  Tuesday,  we  presume  that  the  objectionable  sport  was  in 
honor  of  Shrove  Tuesday.  This  is  the  day  prior  to  the  beginning  of  Lent, 
and  may  occur  on  any  day  between  February  2  and  March  8.     The  name  ia 


168  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [16S4. 

Friday,  Feb.  25.  Last  night  Mr.  Elijah  Corlett/  School- 
master of  Cambridge,  died. 

Satterday,  Feb.  26.  There  begins  to  be  a  talk  of  the 
new  Captains. 

March  3.  Mrs.  Abigail  Moodey  buried  in  the  old  place 
near  Messenger's  house.  This  week  the  new  Officers  of 
the  Militia  receive  their  Commissions ;  viz :  Lieut.  Col. 
Shrimpton,  Major  Charles  Lidget,  Capt.  Humph.  Luscomb, 
Capt.  Antho.  Haywood,  Capt.  Benj.  Davis,  Capt.  Tho. 
Savage,  Capt.  W^  White,  Capt.  Sam^  Ravenscroft.  'Tis 
said  Mr.  Nelson  and  Foxcroft  refus'd ;  else  I  supose  Sav- 
age and  Davis  had  dropt.  Left  out  Richards,  Checkly, 
Dummer.  Sewall  had  returned  his  Comission  before  the 
change  of  Government,  as  see  in  August.  This  week  also, 
the  Law  for  annual  publick  Charges  is  anew  engross' d. 
Written  Satterday,  March  5,  168f^. 

Satterday,  March  5,  168f.  The  Massachusetts  Books 
and  Papers  are  fetcht  away  from  Mr.  Rawson's  to  the 
Town-House  by  Mr.  Lynde  and  Bullivant.^ 

derived  from  the  Catholic  custom  of  being  shrived  or  shrove  (i.e.,  obtaining 
absolution),  and  the  day  is  observed  as  a  holiday. 

The  custom  described  in  the  text  was  in  vogue  in  England,  and  was  a 
variation  of  the  widely  spread  sport  of  throwing  at  cocks  on  that  day.  Ref- 
erence to  this  particular  game  will  be  found  in  English  books,  as  Chambers's 
"  Book  of  Days  "  and  others. 

Sewall's  keenness  in  noting,  and  his  sensitiveness  in  observing,  any  token, 
however  trivial,  of  the  presence  and  manifestation  for  the  first  time  in  the 
old  Puritan  town  of  observances  associated  with  the  English  Church,  are 
equally  significant  with  his  despondent  view  of  the  changes  in  civil  affairs. 
—  Eds. 

1  Master  Elijah  Corlet.  This  eminently  serviceable  and  faithful  man, 
through  whose  patient  training  in  the  Cambridge  Grammar  School  so  many 
youths,  Indian  and  English,  passed  into  the  college,  deserves  that  his  name 
should  always  be  mentioned  with  gratitude  and  reverence.  Born  in  London, 
in  1611,  and  graduating  at  Oxford  in  1627,  he  presided  over  the  Wilderness 

1  Academy  in  Cambridge  forty-six  years.     The  English  Society  for  the  Propa- 

I  gation  of  the  Gospel  among  the  Indians  paid  a  portion  of  his  slender  compen- 

'  sation  for  work  done  in  love  and  piety.  — Eds. 

2  Doubtless  we  owe  to  this  jealous  care  of  the  magistrates,  in  the  anxieties 
and  upturnings  of  their  revolutionary  epoch,  to  do  what  in  homely  phrase  is 


I68f.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  169 

Thorsday,  March  10,  168f .  Mrs.  Margery  Flint  dyes 
at  Braintrey,  this  morn.  Mr.  Mather  preaches  the  Lect- 
ure. SjDeaks  sharply  against  Health-drinking,  Card-play- 
ing, Drunkenness,  profane  Swearing,  Sabbath-breaking, 
&c.  Text  [Jere.  2.  21],  Degenerat  Plant.  Mr.  Stoughton 
treated  the  Governour  and  Council  March  9*- . 

Satterday,  March  12.  Went  to  the  burying  of  Mistress 
Flint,  in  Company  Mr.  Hez.  Usher  and  Lady,  Capt.  Eliot, 
Cous.  Quinsey  carried  Mrs.  Bridget.  Mr.  Torrey  and 
Thacher  there,  Mr.  Torrey  prayed.  Was  buried  about 
Noon.  This  day  several  Orders  published  at  Boston, 
Governour  and  Council  standing  in  Mr.  Usher's  Balcony.^ 
Refer  to  Ministers,  Moneys,  Pirats,  &c.  as  Eliakim  tells  me. 

March  14,  168 f^.  Aniversary  Town-Meeting.  Select- 
Men  chosen  —  Mr.  Elisha  Cook,  Mr.  Elisha  Hutchinson, 
Mr.  Jn"  Joyliff,  Mr.  Tim'^  Prout,  Mr.  Theoph.  Frary,  Mr. 
Jn^  Fayrewether,  Mr.  Henry  Allin,  Mr.  Edw.  Wyllys,  Mr. 
Daniel  Turell.  Constables  —  Arthur  Smith,  Robert  Cumby, 
Richard  Kates,  James  Hawkins,  Tho.  Hunt  Turner,  Jn° 
Nicholls,  Benj-  Walker,  Edmund  Brown.  Select-Men  had, 
most  of  them,  I  think  all,  save  Deacon  Allen,  above  a 

called  "  saving  the  pieces,"  the  preservation  of  many  of  our  colonial  records 
which  have  come  down  to  us. 

Almost  the  closing  entry  on  the  Records  of  the  General  Court  of  the  Colony, 
as  published  by  the  State  in  1854,  is  the  following  (Vol.  V.  p.  516) :  — 

May  20,  1686.  "  Ordered  by  this  Court,  that  Samuel  Nowell,  Esq.  Mr. 
John  Saffin,  and  Capt.  Timothy  Prout  be  a  Comitte  for  a  repository  of  such 
papers  on  file  with  the  Secretaiy  [Edward  Rawson],  as  referr  to  our  Charter 
and  negotiations  from  time  to  time,  for  the  security  thereof,  with  such  as 
referr  to  our  title  of  our  land,  by  purchase  of  Indians  or  otherwise:  and  the 
Secretary  is  ordered  accordingly  to  deliver  the  same  unto  them." 

There  was  shrewdness  in  thus  falling  back  on  the  Indian  release  of  land, 
under  the  apprehension  of  that  arbitrary  construction  which,  in  vacating  the 
charter  of  the  colony,  invalidated  every  act  and  grant  made  under  it.  The 
plain-spoken  Andros  said  that  a  title  from  the  Indians  was  worth  no  more 
than  the  scratch  of  a  bear's  claw.  But  it  seems  that  even  that  was  thought 
better  than  nothing.  —  Eds. 

1  It  would  seem  that  this  was  the  same  house  in  which,  two  years  later, 
Andros  was  confined  over  night  as  a  prisoner,  upon  the  success  of  the  rising 
against  his  government.  —  Eds. 


170  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [168f 

hundred  Votes  apiece.  Capt.  Gerrish  begun  and  ended 
with  Prayer.  Capt.  Winthrop  and  Mr.  Wharton  of  the 
Council  present.     Governour  was  busy. 

This  day  Mrs.  Willard  removes  to  Roxbury  with  a  great 
part  of  the  family  and  Goods  for  fear  of  the  Small  Pocks, 
little  Betty  Willard  lying  sick  of  it. 

Monday,  March  14.  Capt.  Thaxter  of  Hingham  sinks 
down  and  dyes  as  went  to  fodder  his  Cattel. 

Tuesday,  March  15.  Mrs.  Ballard,  Mr.  Lee's  Sister,  dyes 
suddenly. 

March  16.  About  1.  aclock  Mr.  Anthony  Stoddard  dyes, 
was  the  ancientest  shop-keeper  in  Town.^ 

March  17.     Father  East  dyes.     Both  good  men. 

March  18.  Dr.  W^  Avery  dyes.  I  go  to  Charlestown- 
Lecture,  and  then  with  Capt.  Hutchinson  to  see  dying 
Major  Gookin.     He  speaks  to  us. 

March  19.  Satterday,  about  5.  or  6.  in  the  morn.  Major 
Daniel  Gookin  dies,  a  right  good  Man.^ 

Sabbath,  March  20.  Dr.  Stone  and  Abraham  Busby 
dye. 

^  Mr.  Stoddard  was  one  of  the  substantial  men  of  the  town.  He  and  John 
Coggan,  as  traders,  were  the  earliest  in  the  line  of  those  afterwards  known 
as  the  "  merchants  "  of  Boston.  Stoddard  was  a  "  linen-draper,"  was  "  al- 
lowed as  an  inhabitant  "  in  1639,  and  licensed  to  trade  with  the  Indians. 
He  was  a  Selectman  of  Boston,  and  one  of  its  deputies  in  the  General  Court. 
He  was  one  of  a  committee  to  provide  a  town-house  and  to  procure  subscrip- 
tions "  to  propogate  such  a  building."  He  was  also  a  foremost  opponent  of 
the  intermeddling  Randolph.  — Eds. 

2  These  epithets  applied  to  Daniel  Gookin  deserve  an  emphasis,  for  he 
was  a  man  of  noble  soul,  of  many  virtues,  especially  those  which  are  the 
hardest  to  acquire  and  to  practise,  and  his  life  was  devoted  to  ends  of  public 
service.  Having  as  a  child  emigrated  with  his  father  fron  England  to  Vir- 
ginia, he  there  defended  his  plantation  at  Newport  News  in  the  Indian  mas- 
sacre. Drawn  hither,  in  1614,  by  his  Puritan  sympathies,  he  was  called  to 
military  office,  and  made  successively  deputy,  speaker,  and  assistant.  As 
the  Indian  magistrate  he  was  Eliot's  most  trusted  friend  and  helper.  On  a 
visit  to  England  he  had  the  confidence  of  Cromwell ;  and  on  his  return  here 
the  regicides  Whalley  and  Goffe,  who  were  his  fellow-passengers,  received  his 
strong  protection.  What  he  wrote  about  the  efforts  in  behalf  of  the  Indians 
and  of  their  sad  fate  is  of  the  highest  value.  — Eds. 


1687.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  171 

Monday,  March  21.  Mr.  Stoddard  and  Dr.  Avery  buried. 
Mr.  Avery  about  3,  Stoddard  between  5.  and  6.  aclock. 
Father  East  was  buried  on  Satterday,  On  's  Rail  'twas 
said  was  94  years  old. 

Tuesday,  March  22,  168 f.  Major  Gookin  and  Abraham 
Busby  buried.  This  day  his  Excellency  views  the  three 
Meetinghouses. 

Wednesday,  March  23.  The  Governour  sends  Mr.  Ran- 
dolph for  the  Keys  of  our  Meetinghouse,  that  may  say 
Prayers  there.  Mr.  Eliot,  Frary,  Oliver,  Savage,  Davis 
and  my  Self  wait  on  his  Excellency,  shew  that  the  Land 
and  House  is  ours,  and  that  we  can't  consent  to  part  with 
it  to  such  use ;  exhibit  an  Extract  of  Mrs.  Norton's  Deed, 
and  how  'twas  built  by  particular  persons,  as  Hull,  Oliver, 
100. £  apiece,  &c. 

March  22.  a  considerable  Snow  on  the  ground,  that 
fell  last  night.  Mrs.  Eliot  of  Roxbury  dyes.  Now  about 
Goodm.  Francis  an  ancient  and  good  Man  indeed,  of  Cam- 
bridge, dies. 

Friday,  March  25,  1687.  Mrs.  Nowel,  Samuel  Nowell 
Esqr's,  Mother,  dies. 

Satterday,  26.  Eliza.  Scot,  a  good  ancient  Virgin,  is 
buried  at  Boston. 

Friday,  March  25, 1687.  The  Governour  has  service  in 
the  South  Meetinghouse.  Goodm.  Needham  [the  Sexton], 
though  had  resolved  to  the  contrary,  was  prevailed  upon 
to  Ring  the  Bell  and  open  the  door  at  the  Governour's 
Comand,  one  Smith  and  Hill,  Joiner  and  Shoemaker,  being 
very  busy  about  it.  Mr.  Jn*"  Usher  was  there,  whether  at 
the  very  beginning  or  no,  I  can't  tell. 

March  28.  Went  to  Mrs.  EHot's  Funeral,  which  was  a 
very  great  one ;  no  Scarfs. 

March  29.  To  Mrs.  Nowell's  [Funeral],  the  widow  of  Mr. 
Increase  Nowell  a  Patentee.  Mr.  Danforth,  Davie,  Richards, 
Russell,  Cook,  Sewall,  Bearers.  None  else  of  the  old  Gov- 
ernment were  there  but  Mr.  Secretary  Rawson.     I  help'd 


172  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1687. 

to  lift  the  Corps  into  Mr.  Shepard's  Tomb,  and  to  place  it 
there,  carrying  the  head.  Mr.  Nowell  went  not  in :  84 
years  old.  Note.  Last  Sabbath-day,  March  27,  Governour 
and  his  retinue  met  in  our  Meetinghouse  at  Eleven  :  broke 
off  past  two  because  of  the  Sacrament  and  Mr.  Clark's 
long  Sermon ;  now  we  were  apointed  to  come  ^  hour  past 
one,  so  'twas  a  sad  Sight  to  see  how  full  the  Street  was 
with  people  gazing  and  moving  to  and  fro  because  had  not 
entrance  into  the  House. ^ 

Satterday,  April  2.  Mr.  Lee  goes  to  Dedham  in  order 
to  his  going  to  Bristoll  next  week,  to  settle  there  if  can 
compose  their  differences  respecting  Mr.  Woodbridge. 

Monday,  Ap.  4.  Great  Storm  of  Rain,  Thunders  seve- 
ral times.  No  Artillery  Training  ;  and  I  think  would  have 
been  none  if  it  had  not  rain'd.  Capt.  W^  White  apoints  the 
Serjeants  and  Corporalls  to  meet  him  at  Serjeant  Bulls  at 
3.  aclock  Ap.  4.  In  the  Even  Mr.  Willard,  EHot,  Frary  and 
Self  have  great  debate  about  our  meeting  for  the  Lord's 
Supper  [on  account  of  the  seizure  of  their  place  of  wor- 
ship] . 

April  7.  1687.  Weare  sails,  in  whom  Mr.  Clark,  the 
Church  of  England  Minister,  goes,  Mr.  Sheaf,  &c. 

April  8.  I  goe  to  Hog-Iland  with  Cous.  Savage,  to  view 
the  place. 

April  10.  Mr.  Moodey  helps  Mr.  Willard  in  the  Fore- 
noon. Text  Job  23.  10.  Shewed  that  Afflictions  were 
for  Tryal,  and  where  the  Tryal  met  with  sincerity,  the  issue 
would  be  glorious.     Mr.  Solomon  Stoddard  here. 

April  9.  One  W^  Sargent  of  Almsbury  is  trapand  into 
a  Tipling  house  about  9  at  night  and  robbed  of  Money,  a 
Gold  Ring  and  several  papers.  Affidavit  taken  before  Mr. 
Bullivant. 


1  Though  it  would  have  been  a  graceful  courtesy  on  the  part  of  the  pro- 
prietors of  the  South  Meeting-house  to  have  accommodated  those  who  wished 
to  use  it  for  the  Episcopal  service,  it  was  none  the  less  an  arbitrary  act  to 
assume  it  when  denied.  —  Eds. 


1687.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  173 

April  12."  Goe  to  Weymouth-Lecture  accompanied 
by  Capt.  Eliot.  Mistress  Torrey  very  ill,  Mr.  Rawson 
there. 

April  15.  Grafted  the  Button-pear  tree  stock,  which 
dies  at  the  lower  end  of  the  Garden,  and  several  Apple 
Trees. 

Tuesday,  Apr.  19.  1687.  The  Eight  Companyes  are 
warn'd  to  Train  next  Satterday,  being  the  23.  Instant. 
Serjeant  Bull  warns  the  South-Company  now  under  the 
Comand  of  Capt.  Wiir?  White :  those  the  words ;  and  so, 
Satterday  next  being  the  23*^  of  April,  at  the  2"?  Beat  of 
Driimra. 

Thorsday,  Apr.  21.  Mr.  Winchcomb  is  sworn  Deputy 
to  Mr.  Sherlock,  who  is  this  week  made  high  Sheriff  of 
the  Dominion. 

Mr.  Shove  died  on  Thorsday  about  9.  mane  ;  was  buried 
the  Friday  following.  Mr.  Fisk,  Keith,  Anger,  Wood- 
bridge  there  and  Major  Walley. 

Friday,  22.  Seth  Shove  comes  to  Town  in  the  morn, 
and  brings  news  of  's  father's  death  yesterday,  I  let  him 
have  my  Horse  to  ride  to  Taunton.  Mr.  George  Shove 
was  a  principal  Light  in  those  parts,  and  the  death 
of  their  Saint  George  at  this  time  calls  for  special  mourn- 
ing. 

Thorsday,  Apr.  21.  Mr.  West  of  New  York,  and  his 
wife  and  family  come  to  Town  in  the  even.  Mr.  Cotton 
Mather  preach'd  the  Lecture  from  Heb.  6.  20.  Jesus 
being  our  Fore-runer. 

Friday,  22.  Two  persons,  one  array 'd  in  white,  the 
other  in  red,  goe  through  the  Town  with  naked  Swords 
advanced,  with  a  Drum  attending  each  of  them  and  a 
Quarter  Staff,  and  a  great  rout  following  as  is  usual.  It 
seems  'tis  a  chaleng  to  be  fought  at  Capt.  Wing's  next 
Thorsday. 

Satterday,  Ap.  23.  Eight  Companies  Train  :  Many  per- 
sons :  some  officers  have  red  paper  Crosses  fastened  to 


174  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1687. 

their  Hats.  The  Governour  ^  rode  by  and  among  the  Soul- 
diers,  accompanied  by  the  President,  Mr.  Davie  and  others. 
Major  Lidget  the  Chief  Commander,  Col.  Shrimpton,  he, 

1  Although  the  general  history  of  the  administration  of  Andros  has  been 
admirably  given  by  Palfrey,  it  may  be  of  some  assistance  to  our  readers  to 
have  a  brief  summary  of  the  matter. 

The  old  charter  of  Massachusetts  was  undoubtedly  construed  by  the  colo- 
nists to  give  them  a  degree  of  political  independence  without  a  parallel  in 
English  history.  During  the  reign  of  Charles  II.,  repeated  attempts  were 
made  to  procure  the  repeal  of  this  charter,  which  was,  indeed,  of  no  greater 
sanctity  in  the  eye  of  the  law  than  any  other  royal  grant.  The  colonists 
strove  to  maintain  their  privileges,  and  were  aided  by  their  obscurity  and 
remoteness.  But  at  last,  owing  largely  to  the  exertions  of  Randolph,  the 
charter  was  vacated  by  a  decree  of  the  Court  of  Chancery,  June  21,  1684, 
confirmed  and  made  final  Oct.  23,  1684. 

Charles  II.  died  on  Feb.  6,  1684-5,  and  no  change  in  the  Massachusetts 
government  had  been  arranged  up  to  that  time.  James  II.  at  first  simply 
confirmed  all  existing  arrangements,  and  Bradstreet  was  chosen  Governor  in 
May,  1685,  as  usual.  Again,  in  May,  1686,  Bradstreet  was  elected;  but  two 
days  later  Randolph  arrived,  with  commissions  for  a  new  government.  This 
was  to  consist  of  a  President  (Dudley),  Deputy-President  (Stoughton),  and 
sixteen  Counsellors. 

On  May  25,  1686,  this  new  government,  which  extended  over  Massa- 
chusetts, New  Hampshire,  Maine,  and  the  King's  Province,  was  pro- 
claimed. 

On  the  20th  December,  1686,  Andros  arrived,  with  a  commission  super- 
seding Dudley's,  and  placing  the  government  on  a  new  basis. 

Sir  Edmund  Andros  was  the  representative  of  a  family  which  had  been 
for  some  generations  settled  in  Guernsey,  and  he  was  at  this  time  about  fifty 
years  old.  In  1666,  he  was  major  of  a  regiment  employed  in  America,  and 
in  1672  was  commander  of  the  forces  in  Barbadoes.  In  1674,  he  was  appointed 
governor  of  the  colony  of  New  York,  then  the  property  of  the  Duke  of  York, 
and  held  that  position  through  the  year  1680.  Returning  to  England,  he 
was  in  favor  at  court  during  the  remainder  of  the  reign  of  Charles  II.  He 
was  a  favorite  with  the  new  king,  and  was  commissioned,  June  3,  1686,  as 
governor-in-chief  in  and  over  the  dominion  of  New  England.  As  we  have 
seen,  he  arrived  here  at  the  close  of  that  year,  and  took  possession  of  a  jui'is- 
diction  comprising  all  New  England. 

In  1687,  and  till  August,  1688,  his  duties  were  mainly  to  consolidate  the 
provincial  affairs;  but  in  the  autumn  of  1688  he  was  called  to  the  eastward,  to 
defend  the  settlers  from  the  Indians. 

On  the  4th  of  April,  1689,  the  news  was  received  in  Boston  of  the  landing 
of  the  Prince  of  Orange  in  England.  On  this  encouragement,  aided  also  by 
a  party  which  had  already  resolved  on  revolt,  the  inhabitants  of  Boston  and 
its  vicinity  determined  to  rebel.  On  the  18th  of  April,  1689,  the  people 
seized  Andros  at  the  fort  on  Fort  Hill,  and  on  the  following  day  they  pro- 


I 


1687.]  DIART   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  175 

and  Luscomb  on  Horse-back.  Gave  a  Volley  or  two  on 
the  Comon,  march'd  out  about  one  aclock  to  the  Market 
place.  The  Rose  fired  and  others.  Companies  gave  three 
Vollyes,  broke  off  about  3.  in  the  afternoon.  In  the  night 
a  Bonfire  or  two  were  made  on  Fort-hill.  After  followed 
fire-works  with  Huzzas,  ended  about  11.  or  12. 

His  Excellency  on  Mr.  Shrimpton's  House  to  behold  the 
works. 

Monday,  Apr.  25.  Another  Challenge  goes  with  his 
naked  Sword  through  the  Street"  with  Hitchborn  Drum- 
mer, and  a  person  carrying  a  Quarter-Staff. 

On  Sabbath-day  Old  Meeting  and  ours  much  disturbed  in 
Sermon-Time  the  afternoon  by  a  distracted  Fr.  [French  ?] 
Man.  Mr.  Willard  fain  to  leave  off  for  some  time.  The 
same  afternoon  the  Governour's  Meeting  was  broken  up  by 
the  Fire  of  Capt.  Paige's  chimney :  and  rallyed  not  again. 

Tuesday,  26.  Court  sits,  President  in  the  Governour's 
seat,  Mr.  Stoughton  at  his  right  hand.  Col.  Shrimpton  next 
him ;  Mr.  Lynde  at  his  left  hand,  Major  Lidget  next  him. 
One  Haman,  Clerk,  Massy  Cryer  :  Sheriff,  Justices,  Con- 
stables, waited  on  the  Judges  to  Town  with  other  Gen- 
tlemen. 

Ap.  28.  After  the  Stage-fight,  in  the  even,  the  Souldier 
who  wounded  his  Antagonist,  went  accompanyed  with  a 

cured  the  surrender  of  the  castle  and  the  dismantling  of  the  royal  frigate  in 
the  harbor. 

A  temporary  government  was  formed,  and  was  continued  until  a  new 
charter  was  received  from  William  and  Mary,  bearing  date  of  7th  October, 
1691. 

Andros  was  kept  prisoner  until  he  was  sent  to  England  in  February,  1690, 
by  order  of  the  English  government.  There  an  attempt  was  made  to  try 
him ;  but  nothing  came  of  it,  and  he  was  favorably  received  by  the  new  king. 
In  1692,  he  was  made  governor  of  Virginia  and  Maryland,  and  held  that  post 
acceptably  for  six  years.  In  1701,  he  was  made  governor  of  Guernsey;  and 
died,  in  February,  1713-14,  at  London,  aged  seventy-five  years. 

A  careful  examination  of  the  life  of  Andros  will  probably  convince  the 
student  that  he  was  a  brave  and  loyal  servant  of  the  crown,  a  devout  but  not 
bigoted  churchman,  and  very  far  from  being  the  tyrant  that  New  England 
traditions  have  portrayed.  —  Eds. 


I 


176  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1687. 

Drum  and  about  7.  drawn  Swords,  Shouting  through  the 
streets  in  a  kind  of  Tryumph. 

Monday,  May  2.  I  go  to  Hog-Iland.  Mr.  Moodey,  Oakes, 
Capt.  Townsend  and  Seth  Perry  in  one  Column ;  Capt. 
Hill,  Mr.  Parson  and  Mr.  Addington  in  the  other,  witness 
my  taking  Livery  and  seised  of  the  Hand  by  Turf  and 
Twigg  and  the  House. 

As  we  went  met  with  Mr.  Barns  just  come  in.  Hail'd 
the  Brigenteen  as  sail'd  along,  and  after  spoke  with  them 
and  drank  with  them,  lashing  to  their  side.  Came  from 
Antego  ;  they  told  us  the  Parliament  was  not  to  sit  till  the 
latter  end  of  April,  having  had  February  Newes.  Went 
first  to  Capt.  Townsend' s  who  hath  a  goodly  situation  ; 
then  to  Hog-Iland.  After  Diner  take  possession,  and  then 
I  planted  some  Chesnuts  for  a  Nursery.  Mr.  Moodey 
dropt  several  of  them.  Gave  every  of  the  witnesses  one 
of  Mr.  Lee's  Books  apiece.  It  was  past  9.  before  we  got 
home. 

May  3.  Sign'd  the  Leases.  Mr.  Addington,  Robert 
Saunderson  and  Elisa.  Lane,  Witnesses. 

May  4.  I  spend  a  pretty  deal  of  time  in  the  burying 
place  to  see  to  the  Graver  of  the  Tombstone :  Push  Cat- 
terpillars  off  the  Apletrees ;  goe  to  the  Meeting  at  Mistress 
Averyes ;  read  out  of  Dr.  Sibs  about  submitting  to  God's 
Providence,  Sing  the  110.  Psalm. 

May  5.  Mr.  Mather  preaches  against  Covetousness. 
Text,  Thou  Fool,  &c.  Speaks  against  neglecting  Prayer, 
pressing  the  Instance  of  Daniel.  It  seems  was  no  Prayer 
last  County-Court.  A  paper  is  found  by  Haman,  the  Clerk, 
which,  pasted  up  at  the  Townhouse,  giving  an  account  of 
an  Election  yesterday. 

May  6.     Brother  Stephen  visits  us. 

May  9.  Hamilton,  Capt.  of  the  Kingsfisher  dies.  'Tis 
said  the  North  Bell  was  toll'd  as  he  was  dying. 

Tuesday,  May  10.  Mr.  Bullivant  having  been  acquainted 
that  May  W!'  was  our  Sacrament-day,  he  writt  to  Mr.  Wil- 


1687.]  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  177 

larcl,  that  he  had  acquainted  those  principally  concerned, 
and  'twas  judg'd  very  improper  and  inconvenient  for  the 
Governour  and  his  to  be  at  any  other  House,  it  being 
Whit-Sunday  and  they  must  have  the  Comunion,  and  that 
'twas  expected  should  leave  off  by  12.  and  not  return  again 
till  they  rung  the  Bell,  that  might  have  time  to  dispose  of 
the  Elements.  So  remembring  how  long  they  were  at 
Easter,  we  were  afraid  'twould  breed  much  confusion  in 
the  Afternoon,  and  so,  on  Wednesday,  concluded  not  to 
have  our  Sacrament  for  saw  'twas  in  vain  to  urge  their 
promise.  And  on  the  8*.!'  of  May  were  bid  past  One  a 
pretty  deal. 

May  15.  Goes  out  just  -J  hour  after  one  ;  so  have  our 
Afternoon  Exercise  in  due  season.  But  see  they  have  the 
advantage  to  lengthen  or  shorten  their  Exercises  so  as  may 
make  for  their  purpose. 

Monday,  May  16.  1687.  I  go  to  Reading  and  visit  Mr. 
Brock,  and  so  to  Salem  ;  this  day  Capt.  Walker,  a  very 
aged  Planter,  buried  at  Lin.^  Visit  my  Sister  and  little 
Cousin  Margaret. 

Tuesday,  May  17.  Brother  and  I  ride  to  Newbury  in 
the  rainy  Dusk  ;  this  day  Capt.  Hamilton  buried  with  Capt. 
Nicholson's  Redcoats  and  the  8  Companies  :  Was  a  funeral- 
Sermon  preach'd  by  the  Fisher's  Chaplain  :  Pulpit  cover'd 
with  black  cloath  upon  which  Scutcheons :  Mr.  Dudley, 
StoLighton  and  many  others  at  the  Coinon  Prayer  and 
Sermon.  House  very  full,  and  yet  the  Souldiers  went 
not  in. 

Wednesday,  May  18.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  preaches  New- 
bury-Lecture,  Ps.  39.  I  am  a  Stranger  with  Thee.  This 
day  Mr.  Foye  comes  in  and  brings  the  Kings  Declaration 
for  Liberty  of  Conscience. 

1  This  was  Capt.  Richard  Walker,  said  by  Lewis,  in  his  "  History  of 
Lynn,"   to   be   aged  ninety-five  years   at  his   death.     No  relationship  \a 
known  to  exist  between  him  and  the  next  named  "  as  Father  Walker.* 
—  Eds. 

12 


178  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1687. 

Thorsday,  May  19.  Goe  to  Salem  in  company  with  Capt. 
Phillips  and  Mr.  Cotton  Mather. 

May  20.  Went  home  and  found  all  well,  as  found  them 
at  Newbury  to  our  great  comfort. 

Monday,  May  23.  Am  invited  to  the  Funeral  of  Mrs. 
Bowls. 

May  24.  Mr.  Fisk,  Thacher,  Denison,  Self  and  two 
others  bore  Mrs.  Bowls  to  her  Grandmother's  Tomb. 

May  25.  A  Fast  is  kept  at  Cambridge.  This  day  Mr. 
Bayly  marries  Mary  Kay. 

May  26.  Marshal  Green  visits  me,  and  tells  that  he  is 
wholly  left  out  of  all  publick  employment.  Sam^  Gookin 
Sheriff  for  Middlesex.  Said  Green  told  me  he  knew  not 
of  it  till  today,  and  that  he  was  undone  for  this  world.  It 
seems  the  May-pole  at  Charlestown  was  cut  down  last  week,- 
and  now  a  bigger  is  set  up,  and  a  Garland  upon  it.  A  Soul- 
dier  was  buried  last  Wednesday  and  disturbance  grew  by 
reason  of  Joseph  Phips  standing  with  's  hat  on  as  the  Par- 
son was  reading  Service.  'Tis  said  Mr.  Sam!  Phips  bid  or 
encouraged  the  Watch  to  cut  down  the  May-pole,  being  a 
Select-Man.  And  what  about  his  Brother  and  that,  the 
Captain  of  the  Fisher  and  he  came  to  blows,  and  Phips  is 
bound  to  answer  next  December,  the  Governour  having 
sent  for  him  before  Him  yesterday.  May  26.  1687. 

May  27.  Went  to  Charles  town-Lecture  and  heard  Mr. 
Morton  from  those  words  —  Love  is  a  fruit  of  the  Spirit. 
[Gal.  5,  22.]     Mr.  Danforth  sat  in  the  Deacon's  Seat. 

Friday,  May  27,  between  5.  and  6.  Father  Walker  is 
taken  with  a  Lethargy  as  was  shutting  up  his  shop  to  goe 
to  their  privat  Meeting  :  His  left  side  was  chiefly  struck 
with  a  kind  of  Palsy  :  His  speech  came  to  him  something 
between  6.  and  7.  He  told  me  there  was  plenty  of  Lav- 
ander  in  the  Town  where  he  was  Prentice.  He  overheard 
some  discourse  about  the  May-Pole,  and  told  what  the 
maner  was  in  England  to  dance  about  it  with  Musick,  and 
that  'twas  to  be  feared  such  practices  would  be  here.    Told 


1G87.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  179 

me  he  had  been  liable  to  be  overtaken  with  Sleep  for  three- 
score years,  and  that  'twas  his  Burden  which  he  something 
insisted  on.  Had  a  blistering  plaister  to  his  neck,  Drops 
of  Lavander  in  's  mouth  and  his  neck  chaf'd  with  Oyl  of 
Amber. 

May  28.  Mr.  Cook  scrapes  white  Hellebore  which  he 
snuffs  up,  and  sneizes  30.  times  and  yet  wakes  not,  nor 
opens  his  eyes.     Hot  wether. 

May  29.  Sabbath.  Dame  Walker  desires  me  to  pray 
with  her  Husband,  which  I  do  and  write  two  notes,  one 
for  our  House  and  one  for  the  Old.  Sam.  carries  the  first. 
Between  12.  and  one  Robert  Walker '  dies,  about  a  quarter 
after  Twelve.  He  was  a  very  good  Man,  and  conversant 
among  God's  New-England  People  from  the  begining. 
About  one,  several  great  Guns  were  fired. 

Tuesday,  Maij  iilt,  Goodm.  Walker  is  buried,  Capt. 
Eliot,  Frary,  Hill,  Deacon  Allen,  Mr.  Blake,  Pain,  Bearers ; 
Mr.  Saunderson  and  Goodm.  Serch  lead  the  Widow,  Govf 
Bradstreet,  Mr.  Cook,  Mr.  Addington,  with  the  chief 
Guests,  were  at  our  House.  Burial  over  about  four 
aclock.  Mr.  Torrey  came  to  Town  yesterday,  and  supp'd 
with  us  this  night.  Mrs.  Long  of  Charlestown  buried 
to-day. 

June  3.  The  widow  of  Gemaliel  Wait  buried.  Thunder 
Shower  took  us  at  the  Grave,  the  mourners  went  into  the 
Schoolhouse  ;  I  to  Mr.  Chiever's.  When  broke  up  a  Rain- 
bow appeared  :  was  great  Thunder  in  the  night.  All  my 
married  Cousins  were  in  Town  yesterday. 

Wednesday,  June  1.    A  privat  Fast  of  the  South-Church 

1  Robert  Walker  has  already  been  mentioned  (p.  47,  note)  as  an  old 
acquaintance  of  the  Sewalls  in  England.  Besides  his  fame  in  connection 
with  the  deposition  cited,  Walker  will  be  noted  as  the  person  mentioned  on 
the  Boston  town  records,  under  date  of  March  1,  1639-40.  It  was  then  voted 
that  no  more  land  should  be  granted  out  of  the  common  field  which  is  left 
between  the  Gentry  Hill  and  Mr.  Colbron's  end,  except  three  or  four  lots  to 
make  up  the  street  from  Robert  Walker's  to  the  Round  Maroh.  This  was 
the  foundation  of  Boston  Common.  —  Eds. 


180  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1687. 

was  kept  at  our  house,  Mr.  Willard  pray'd  and  preach' d  in 
the  morn.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  pray'd  first  in  the  after- 
noon, Mr.  Moodey  preach'd  and  pray'd.  Mr.  Willard  dis- 
miss'd  with  a  Blessing.  Mr.  Willard's  Text,  Deut.  32.  36. 
For  the  Lord  shall  judge  his  People,  &c.  Mr.  Moodey's 
Text,  Ps.  46.  10.  Be  still  &c.  Occasion  of  the  Fast  was 
the  putting  by  the  Sacrament  the  last  Turn,  and  the  diffi- 
cult circumstances  our  Church  in  above  others,  regarding 
the  Church  of  Eng;land's  meetino;  in  it. 

Note.  Monday,  June  6.  Ebeoezer  Hollo  way,  a  youth 
of  about  11  or  12  years  old,  going  to  help  Jn""  Hounsel, 
another  Boston  boy,  out  of  the  water  at  Roxbury,  was 
drown' d  together  with  him.  I  follow'd  them  to  the  Grave  ; 
for  were  brought  to  Town  in  the  night,  and  both  carried  to 
the  burying  place  together,  and  laid  near  one  another. 
Eben,  as  I  take  it,  was  the  only  Son  of  Mr.  Holloway  by 
his  deceased  wife,  and  was  boarded  at  Roxbury  with  his 
Aunt  Swan  to  goe  to  School,  and  be  the  better  looked 
after. 

June  8.  Went  to  Dorchester-Lecture.  Din'd  at  Mrs. 
Flint's,  who  tells  me  that  her  Son  Henry  is  in  a  Consump- 
tion. This  day  the  Quarter-Sessions  is  held  at  Boston, 
Col.  Shrimpton  Judge,  Tho.  Dudley  Clerk,  Hudson  Lev- 
erett  Cryer.  Judge  Shrimpton  sat  in  the  Governour's 
Seat.     No  Civil  Action  try'd  today. 

June  9.  Mr.  Willard  preached  from  Pro  v.  29.  27. 
Shew'd  there  was  a  radicated  Antipathy  between  the 
Wicked  and  Godly. 

June  10.  Carried  my  wife  to  M.[uddy]  River.  This 
day  Mrs-  Willard  and  her  family  return  from  Roxbury. 

Sabbath,  June  12.  Lord's  Super  at  the  South-Church. 
But  Church  of  England  men  go  not  to  any  other  House  : 
yet  little  hindrance  to  us  save  as  to  ringing  the  first  Bell, 
and  straitning  the  Deacons  in  removal  of  the  Table. 

Munday,  June  20.  Went  to  Muddy-River  with  Mr. 
Gore  and  Eliot  to  take  a  Plot  of  Brooklin. 


1687.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  181 

Tuesday,  21.  June.  Is  a  great  Training  at  Cambridge  : 
His  Excellency  there. 

Wednesday,  June  22.  Went  to  Muddy-Kiver.  Mr. 
Gore  finishes  compassing  the  Land  with  his  plain  Table ; 
I  do  it  chiefly  that  I  may  know  my  own,  it  lies  in  so  many 
nooks  and  corners.     Went  to  Cambridge-Lecture. 

June  28,  1687.  Went  to  Koxbury  and  heard  Mr.  Cot- 
ton Mather  preach  from  Colos.  4.  5.  Redeeming  the 
Time.  Shew'd  that  should  improve  Season  for  doing  and 
receiving  good  whatsoever  it  cost  us.  His  Excellency  was 
on  the  Neck,  as  came  by,  call'd  Him  in  and  gave  Him  a 
glass  of  Beer  and  Claret  and  deliver'd  a  Petition  respect- 
ing the  Narraganset  Lands. 

July  1,1687.  Went  to  Hog-Hand ;  had  Eliakim  thither : 
went  to  see  where  to  make  a  Causey  to  land  handsomly : 
brought  home  a  Basket  of  Cherries :  As  went,  saw  a  Sur- 
veyor with  two  red-coats,  and  another  measuring  and  sur- 
veying Noddles-Hand.  Came  home  about  ^  hour  after 
four  aclock.  About  6.  aclock  Abigail  Saunderson  is  bur- 
ied, who  died  yesterday. 

Wednesday,  July  6.  Waited  on  his  Excellency  to  Cam- 
bridge. Eleven  Bachelors  and  Seven  Masters  proceeded. 
Mr.  Mather,  President,  Pray'd  forenoon  and  afternoon. 
Mr.  Ratcliff  sat  in  the  Pulpit  by  the  Governour's  direc- 
tion. Mr.  Mather  crav'd  a  Blessing  and  return'd  Thank:s 
in  the  Hall. 

July  8.  Carried  my  wife  to  Cambridge  to  visit  my 
little  Cousin  Margaret,  they  were  going,  so  went  to  Mr. 
Leverett's  Chamber,  the  Library,  Hall,  Sir  Davenport  and 
Mitchel's  Chamber,  and  so  home  well,  blessed  be  GodI 
Little  Stephen  hath  a  Tooth  cut  two  or  three  dayes  agoe. 

Monday,  July  11.  I  hire  Ems's  Coach  in  the  After- 
noon, wherein  Mr.  Hez.  Usher  and  his  wife,  and  Mrs. 
Bridget  her  daughter,  my  Self  and  wife  ride  to  Roxbury, 
visit  Mr.  Dudley,  and  Mr.  Eliot,  the  Father,  who  blesses 
them.     Go  and  sup  together  at  the  Grayhound-Tavern 


182  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1687. 

with  boil'd  Bacon  and  rost  Fowls.  Came  home  between 
10.  and  11.  brave  Moonshine,  were  hinder' d  an  hour  or 
two  by  Mr.  Usher,  else  had  been  in  good  season. 

Tuesday,  July  12.  I  go  to  Mr.  Usher's  about  5.  mane, 
Wan  ^  having  been  here :  about  7.  or  eight  we  goe  on 
Board,  the  Ship  being  under  Sail.  Go  with  them  to  Al- 
derton's  Point,^  and  with  our  Boat  beyond,  quite  out  of  the 
Massachusets  Bay,  and  there  catch'd  fresh  Cod.  Went  t>o 
Nantasket,  in  which  way  lost  my  hat,  and  for  fear  of  run- 
ning the  Boat  on  the  Rocks,  left  it.  From  Nantasket,  in 
less  than  an  hour  and  half  sail'd  home  between  7.  and 
eight.  Goe  in  the  Ship  Mr.  Wharton,  Sam.  Newman,  Mr. 
Charles  Morton,  Mr.  Wooddrop,  Mrs.  Bridget  Usher,  and 
her  Daughter  Mrs.  Bridget  Hoar,  and  others.  Had  an 
extraordinary  good  wind.  Mr.  Usher  wept  at  taking 
leave  of  's  Wife  and  Daughter.  Before  went  from  Mr. 
Usher's,  Mr.  Moodey  went  to  Prayer  in  behalf  of  those 
going  to  sea,  and  those  staying  behind,  in  a  very  heavenly 
manor. 

Wednesday,  July  13.  Mrs.  Eyre,  Mr.  Jn*'  Eyre's  Mother 
dies  ;  and  Jn*^  Davis,  a  hopefull  young  Man. 

Thorsday,  July  14.  Much  Rain.  Mr.  Allen  preaches. 
None  save  Mistress  Bayly,  Self  and  Mr.  Usher  in  his  Pue. 

July  15,  Friday.  Thunder-Shower  in  the  Afternoon. 
Mrs.  Eyre  buried :  Bearers,  Mr.  Rawson,  Joyliff,  Cook, 
Addington,  Wyllys,  Oakes.  Governour  not  there.  This 
same  day  Andrew  Bordman,^  Steward  and  Cook  of  Har- 

1  Under  this  date,  Sewall  notes  in  his  almanac  (IST.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Regis- 
ter, VIII.  20),  "  Harris  sails."  Wan  is  very  clearly  written  in  the  journal, 
but  Sewall  may  have  intended  Harr.  —  Eds. 

2  All  authorities  seem  to  agree  that  this  name,  "  Alderton,"  is  an  old 
error  for  "  Allerton,"  and  that  the  cape  was  really  named  by  discoverers  from 
Plymouth,  in  honor  of  Isaac  Allerton,  one  of  the  most  active  of  the  "May- 
flower "  colonists.  The  rocky  islands  called  the  "  Brewsters  "  are  believed  to 
have  been  named  similarly,  in  honor  of  Elder  Brewster,  of  Plymouth.  — 
Eds. 

8  Three  generations  of  Bordmans  —  father,  two  sons,  and  a  grandson  — 
served  as  stewards  and  cooks  of  Harvard  College,  from  1663  to  1747.     An 


1687.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  18o 

vard  Colleclge,  is  buried.  Sore  Tempest  of  Wind  and 
Rain  this  day  in  the  afternoon,  blew  down  Trees  and 
Barns. 

Satterday,  July  16.  At  night  a  great  Uproar  and  Lewd 
rout  in  the  Main  Street  by  reason  of  drunken  raving 
Gamar  Flood,  came  from  about  Wheeler's  pond,  and  so 
-svent  by  our  House  into  Town.  Many  were  startled, 
thinking  there  had  been  fire,  and  went  to  their  windows 
out  of  Bed  between  9.  and  10.  to  see  what  was  the 
matter. 

Monday,  July  18.  AYas  startled  in  the  morn  as  was  at 
prayer  in  the  Kitchen,  at  a  sudden  unusual  noise ;  which 
prov'd  to  be  two  Cows  running  into  our  little  Porch ;  the 
like  to  which  never  fell  out  before,  that  I  know  of. 

July  18.  Mr.  Mather  had  two  Venice  Glasses  broken 
at  our  Meeting. 

Massie  is  some  weeks  since  made  Prison-keeper,  and 
Earl  dismissed;    viz:    June  17.  1687. 

July  20.  One  of  the  Fisher's  Men  is  found  dead,  sup- 
pos'd  to  be  murder'd.  Two  men  are  stab'd  (not  mortally) 
at  Charlestown  last  night,  viz  :  Capt.  Hunting,  and  one 
Adams  ;  ^  occasion  was  their  going  into  street  upon  a  stone's 
being  thrown  into  Adams'  House,  which  endangered  his 
child. 

July  25.  Town-Meeting  to  choose  a  Commission.  Mr. 
Addington  chosen  had  16  votes ;  Mr.  Saffin  8  ;  Col.  Shrimp- 
account  of  them  is  given  in  the  Proceedings  of  the  Society  for  February, 
1861.— Eds. 

'  In  regard  to  this  affair,  Frothingham  ("  Histoiy  of  Charlestown,"  p. 
220) ,  writes  as  follows :  — 

"  The  constables  waited  on  Sir  Edmund  Andros,  related  the  circumstances 
and  asked  for  advice.  Adams  deposed:  '  Hereupon  he  fell  into  a  great  rage, 
and  did  curse  us,  saying,  "  d — n  you,  you  deserve  to  be  indicted,"  and  called 
us  ill  names,  and  threatened  to  send  us  to  jail.'  Addressing  Phillips,  Andros 
said:  '  Look  to  yourself  and  have  a  care,  for  you  are  marked  men;  —  never 
come  to  trouble  me  more  with  any  such  stories.'  " 

The  authority  given  is  the  deposition  in  Massachusetts  archives.  See  also 
*♦  The  Andros  Tracts,"  Vol.  II.  p.  153.  —Eds. 


184  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1687 

ton  2  ;  Col.  Lidget  2 ;  and  I  think  Mr.  Foxcroft,  One. 
Town  was  generally  dissatisfied,  partly  said  were  not  all 
warn'd,  and  partly  at  the  work  it  sett ;  so  most  of  them 
that  were  there  went  away  and  voted  not.  Mr.  West 
there  and  Voted.  In  the  afternoon  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wil- 
lard  visit  us.  He  prays  with  little  Stephen  w^ho  is  very 
sick. 

Tuesday,  July  26,  1687.  About  Nine  aclock  my  dear 
Son  Stephen  Sewall  expires,  just  after  the  Judges  coming 
to  Town ;  died  in  his  Grandmother's  Bed-Chamber  in 
Nurse  Hill's  Arms.  Had  two  Teeth  cut,  no  Convulsions. 
Mr.  Willard  pray'd  with  him  in  the  Morning,  Mr.  Moodey 
coming  in  when  at  Prayer. 

Wednesday,  July  27,  1687.  Between  6.  and  7.  after 
Noon,  The  Body  of  my  dear  Son  Stephen  is  carried  to  the 
Tomb  by  Jn^  Davie,  Sam!  Willard,  Joseph  Eliot  and  Sam- 
uel Moodey.  Samuel  Clark  and  Solomon  Rainsford  put 
him  into  Tomb.  Sam.  had  the  head  ;  Solomon's  foot,  on 
a  loose  brick,  slipt,  and  he  slid  down  the  steps  and  let  go 
the  Coffin  ;  but  the  end  rested  upon  Jony's  stone  set  there 
to  show  the  Entrance,  and  Sam.  held  his  part  steadily ;  so 
was  only  a  little  knock.  I  led  my  wife.  Brother  Stephen 
led  Mother  Hull,  Sam.  led  Haiiah,  Billy  Dumer  led  Betty, 
Cous.  Quinsey  led  his  wife,  Cous.  Savage  and  Dummer 
went  together.  Got  home  between  7.  and  8.  Mr.  Torrey 
visited  us  but  could  not  stay  the  Funeral.  Sam.  and  his 
sisters  cryed  much  coming  home  and  at  home,  so  that 
could  hardly  quiet  them.  It  seems  they  look'd  into  Tomb, 
and  Sam  said  he  saw  a  great  Coffin  there,  his  Grand- 
fathers. 

July  28.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather,  and  Mr.  Bayly  visit 
me. 

Monday,  Augt.  1,  1687.  Brother  comes  to  Town  and 
brings  word  that  two  Salem  Catches  are  taken  by  the 
French,  of  which  his  Newbury  Ketch  is  one,  and  the 
whole  Fare  due  to  him,  so  that  his  Livelihood  is  in  a 


.^ 


1687  J  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  185 

manner  taken  away.  Here  is  wave  upon  wave.  I  writt 
to  Mr.  Nelson  to  see,  if  Brother  might  have  his  Ketch 
again.  Mr.  Lidget  buried  a  Daughter  yesterday  in  the 
even,  with  the  Service-Book. 

Tuesday,  Augt.  2.  W^  Rawson's  little  Ebenezer  dies  ; 
He  was  about  a  week  old,  baptiz'd  the  last  Sabbath.  This 
day  Brother  writes  me  word  that  his  Catch,  the  Margarett, 
is  re  turn' d,  parting  from  the  Frigat  in  a  Fogg  and  leaving 
the  Master  behind,  and  bringing  a  Frenchman  hether  that 
was  put  on  board  of  them.     Laus  Deo. 

Wednesday,  Augt.  3.  Capt.  Gerrish  is  carried  in  a  Sedan 
to  the  Wharf  and  so  takes  Boat  for  Salem,  to  see  if  there 
he  may  find  amendment  of  his  Distemper.  It  seems  the 
French  and  the  confederat  Indians  made  war  upon  the 
Mohawks  and  theirs ;  and  Mohawks  have  killed  about  a 
Thousand  of  them.  This  about  a  month  or  three  weeks 
agoe.  Govf  Dungan  is  concern' d,  it  seems,  to  animat  the 
Mohawks  and  hinder  the  French  from  coming  on  this  side 
the  Lake,  which  they  give  out  they  will  doe. 

Tuesday,  Augt.  9,  1687.  Sam.  Topan  comes  to  Town 
and  brings  me  a  Letter  signifying  that  Capt.  Gerrish  died 
this  day  about  Noon,  so  that  Mr.  Willard,  if  he  sail'd  yes- 
terday, is  gon  to  his  Funeral. 

Thorsday,  Augt.  11.  I  ride  to  Salem  with  Cous.  Sav- 
age and  Mr.  Dering  to  the  Funeral  of  Capt.  Gerrish.  Major 
Gedney,  Major  Brown,  Mr.  Hawthorn,  Weld,  Dering  and 
Self,  Bearers.  Was  laid  in  Capt.  Price's  Tomb.  Capt. 
Winthrop,  Edw.  Tyng,  Mr.  Willard  were  by  accident 
there.  Mr.  Higinson,  Willard,  Noyes  had  Scarfs  and  the 
Bearers.  Hardly  above  two  of  Newbury  there,  viz: 
Nath.  Clark,  James  Smith.  Was  late  before  done,  so 
lodg'd  there. 

Augt.  12.  Cous.  Savage  and  I  come  home  by  Reading 
and  visit  Mr.  Brock.  Come  home  just  to  the  Funeral  of 
Isaac  Goose's  Child  which  dyed  suddenly.  Went  to  the 
Grave. 


186  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1687. 

Augt.  15.  Went  into  Water  alone  at  Blackstone's  Point.* 

Tuesday  night,  Augt.  16,  1687.  Elder  Wiswall  dies, 
having  liv'd,  as  is  said,  fourscore  and  six  years.  This  day 
goe  to  Charlestown  to  make  an  addition  to  Col.  Lidget's 
Farm  out  of  the  waste  Lands  ;  or  on  Monday. 

Augt.  19*^  Mr.  Morton's  Text,  out  of  the  Fruits  of  the 
Spirit,  falls  in  course  to  be  PEACE,  indeed  very  season- 
ably, as  to  the  Exercise  that  Town  is  under  respecting 
the  Comon,  part  of  which  was  laid  out  and  bounded  to 
particular  persons.  Just  a  little  before  Sunset  Elder 
Wiswall  is  buried.  Gov^  Bradstreet,  Mr.  Saltonstall  the 
Father,  Mr.  Davie,  Major  Richards,  Mr.  No  well,  Mr.  Cook, 
Capt.  Hutchinson,  Mr.  Johnson,  Mr.  Addington  and  my 
Self,  ten  of  the  old  Government,  followed  to  the  Grave. 
Wooburn  Church  is  under  much  disquiet. 

Tuesday,  Augt.  23.  Balston  arrives  and  brings  Gazetts 
to  June  13,  and  a  Privy  Seal  whereby  Capt.  Nicholson  is 
added  to  the  Council,  being  sworn. 

Augt.  24,  1687.  Bartholomew-day.  Indulgence  for 
Liberty  of  Conscience  published  here.^ 

Augt.  25.  Mr.  Mather  preaches  from  the  5*-  verse  of 
Jude,  shewing  that  persons  deliver'd,  yet  through  Unbe- 
lief left  to  eminent  Judgments.  Praised  God  for  the  Lib- 
erty good  People  enjoy  in  England.  Said,  'tis  marvellous 
in  our  Eyes.  Mr.  Dudley  tells  me  His  Father  and  Mr. 
Stoughton  are  petitioning  for  Patents.  After  Lecture,  I 
visit  Mr.  Benjamin  Eliot,^  who  is  much  touch'd  as  to  his 

1  We  have  already  expressed  the  opinion  that  Blackstone's  Point  was  a 
little  projection  on  the  line  of  Beacon  Street  below  Charles  Street.  It  is 
interesting  to  find  that,  as  late  as  1688,  the  name  was  in  use,  and  the  place 
suitable  for  bathing.  Evidently  the  Braman's  Baths  of  our  day  were  an 
unconscious  perpetuation  of  an  old  Boston  custom  at  this  spot.  —  Eds. 

2  This  is  King  James's  first  Declaration  of  Indulgence,  April  4,  1687.  — 
Eds. 

8  This  was  the  youngest  son  of  Rev.  John  Eliot,  of  Roxbury,  of  H.  C.  1665. 
He  died  soon  after,  as  will  be  noticed,  and  some  obscurity  has  always  hung 
over  his  history,  to  be  explained  probably  by  the  fact  stated  in  the  text.  It 
is  to  be  noticed  that  Sewall  not  only  speaks  often  of  the  family  of  Rev.  John 


I 


1687.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  187 

Understanding,  and  almost  all  the  while  I  was  there  kept 
heaving  up  his  Shoulders  :  would  many  times  laugh,  and 
would  sing  with  me,  which  did ;  he  read  three  or  more 
staves  of  the  Seventy  first  Psalm,  9  verses,  his  Father  and 
Jn''  Eliot  singing  with  us ;  Mr.  Benjamin  would  in  some 
notes  be  very  extravagant.  Would  have  sung  again  be- 
fore I  came  away  but  's  Father  prevail' d  with  him  to  the 
contrary,  alledging  the  children  would  say  he  was  dis- 
tracted.    Came  with  me  to  the  Gate  when  took  horse. 

Monday,  Augt.  29.  Carried  my  wife  to  Braintrey, 
Cous.  Savage  and  Quinsey  in  Company. 

Augt.  30*.^  Carry  her  to  Weymouth,  Unkle  Quinsey 
in  Company.  Ly  at  Mr.  Torrey's :  Preach'd  from  Ezek. 
36.  37.     Mr.  Fisk  is  sent  for  to  bury  his  Brother. 

Augt.  31.  Carry'd  my  Wife  to  Hingham,  Unkle  Quinsey 
and  Cous.  Hunt  accompanying,  visited  Cous.  Hubbard, 
saw  their  two  little  Daughters ;  saw  the  Meetinghouse  and 
Mr.  Norton  and  Mrs.  Came  home  with  Unkle  to  Brain- 
trey.     He  brought  my  wife  on  his  horse. 

Septy  1.  Mr.  Torrey  comes  thether  to  us  early  and  ac- 
companyes  us  to  Boston.  Find  all  well,  and  are  so  our- 
selves. Mr.  Willard  preaches  from  1  Peter,  4.  4.  wherein 
they  count  it  strange,  &c.  Govy  Hinkly  came  in  and 
lodged  at  Mr.  Torrey's  the  same  night  as  we  did. 

Thorsday,  Sept.  1.  This  day  we  receive  a  Sloop  Load 
of  Boards  from  the  Salmon-falls  Saw-mill,  and  the  same 
day,  I  think  by  the  same  Boat,  I  receive  a  Copy  of  a 
Writt  of  Ejection  which  Mr.  Mason  has  cans' d  to  be  serv'd 
on  John  Broughton  respecting  the  said  Mill. 

Friday,  Sept.  2.     One  Wakeam  falls  down  in  the  Street 


Eliot,  but  also  of  that  of  Jacob  Eliot,  brother  of  John.  This  latter  included 
Eliots,  Frarys,  Downes,  and  others,  who  lived  at  the  south  end  of  the  town. 
Two  other  brothers  of  Rev.  John,  Philip  Eliot  of  Roxbury,  and  Francis 
Eliot  of  Brain  tree,  left  no  sons.  As  mentioned  in  a  previous  note,  Benjamin 
Eliot  assisted  his  father  at  Roxbury,  but,  his  name  not  being  italicized  in  the 
College  catalogue,  he  probably  had  not  been  ordained  as  a  minister.  —  Eds. 


188  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1687 

and  dies  without  speaking  a  word.  I  accompany  Mr.  Torrey 
to  Roxbury,  visit  Mr.  Benj.  Eliot,  and  consult  with  Mr. 
Dudley,  and  then  ride  to  Dorchester  and  consult  with 
Stoughton  about  my  Law-Suit. 

Friday,  Sept.  9*^  Mr.  Cook  and  I  set  out  for  Ports- 
mouth. Dine  with  Brother  Sewall  at  Salem,  call  on  Mr. 
Phillips.     Lodge  at  Brother  Gerrishes. 

Satterday,  call  on  Major  Pike  at  Mr.  Wears,  of  Hampton, 
stay  a  good  while.  Our  Horses  well  baited,  in  this  time 
the  Judges  got  before  us,  overtook  them  at  the  Ordinary 
at  Diner.  Din'd  with  them  at  the  Sheriff's  cost.  Went, 
But  Mr.  Cook  and  I  cast  behind  by  alighting  to  take  off 
our  Coats,  so  rode  alone  till  overtook  Mr.  Hutchinson,  who 
staid  for  us.  Went  into  Town  another  way  than  they  did, 
so  miss'd  of  the  Invitation  and  lay  at  the  Ordinary  in  the 
Porch  of  the  great  Chamber  alone. 

Sabbath.  Mr.  Loree  preaches  from  James  5.  16.  Dine 
at  Mr.  Waldron's  with  Mr.  Stoughton  and  there  goe  to 
Duties  and  Sup.  Mr.  Stoughton  pray'd.  Lodge  this  night 
at  Mr.  Yaughan's  with  Mr.  Cook. 

Monday,  Sept.  12.  The  Court  sits.  Our  case  is  deferr'd 
till  March  next.  Was  no  Declaration  filed,  no  Jury  out  of 
the  Province  of  Main,  and  we  had  no  time  to  provide. 
Court  was  kept  at  Partridge's  and  there  we  dine  at  Sheriff's 
cost  again,  unwittingly.     Lodge  at  Mr.  Yaughan's. 

Tuesday,  13^^  Breakfast  at  Mr.  Grafford's.  After,  a 
Fellow  plays  Tricks.  Cook,  Hutchinson  and  Self  ride  to 
Bloody  Point,  so  to  Hilbon's  point  over  the  Ferry ;  visited 
Mr.  Pike  while  Mr.  Hutchinson  and  Broughton  came  over ; 
Boat  would  not  carry  all.  Mr.  Pike  not  at  home,  but  his 
wife  and  two  Sons.  Call'd  at  Major  Waldron's,  where  Mr. 
Cook  lodg'd,  but  Hutchinson  and  Self  rode  to  the  Salmon- 
falls,  George  Broughton  being  our  Guide,  who  was  acci- 
dentally at  Otisses.  Lodge  at  W^  Love's  in  a  very  good 
House  and  Bed. 

Wednesday,  See  the  Mill,  get  a  Cut,  visit  Mrs.  Eainer 


1687.]  DIARY    OF   SAIMUEL    SEWALL.  189 


and  her  Daughter  Broughton.  Breakfast  there.  Ride 
into  Swamp  to  see  a  Mast  drawn  of  about  26  Inches  or  28 ; 
about  two  and  thirty  yoke  of  Oxen  before,  and  about  four 
yoke  by  the  side  of  the  Mast,  between  the  fore  and  hinder 
wheels.  'Twas  a  very  notable  sight.  Rode  then  to  York, 
through  very  bad  way,  Jn°  Broughton  Pilot.  Saw  Mr. 
Sawyer's  singular  Saw-mill.  Lodg'd  at  Cous.  Dumer's 
with  Mr.  Martin.  Rode  to  Wells  on  Thorsday  15*•^  to 
view  the  Records.  Din'd  at  the  Ordinary,  (call'd  at  Mr. 
Wheelrights  in  the  way.)  Then  I  rode  with  Jn°  Broughton 
to  the  Salmon-falls,  got  thether  about  8 ;  Lodg'd  at 
Love's. 

Friday  16.  See  Hobs  his  Hole,  Quamphegen.^  Stay  a 
little  at  George  and  Jn""  Broughton' s :  by  then  at  Capt. 
Wincoll's  ;  by  this  time  Mr.  Cook  come.  Din'd  at  Win- 
coil's.  Came  to  Hampton,  by  that  time  'twas  dark.  Supped 
there,  then  to  Newbury.  Mr.  Cook  and  I  lodge  at  Brother 
Gerrishes. 

Satterday,  17.  Ride  homeward.  Dine  at  Mrs.  Gedney's : 
whether  send  for  my  Brother.  Major  sends  a  Letter  by 
me  to  his  Excellency :  we  ride  round  by  Charlestown,  and 
get  home  between  7.  and  8.  finding  all  well,  blessed  be 
God.  Note,  The  Friday  we  set  out,  at  night,  a  Shallop 
riding  at  anchor  in  the  Sea  was  run  over  by  a  Brigantine, 
and  two  Men  drown'd.  This  day  the  Justices  get  a  Town- 
Meeting  at  Ipswich ;  but  they  adhere  to  the  former  votes. 
And  as  we  come  home  find  Jn*'  Appleton  Clerk,  Lt.  An- 


1  Sewall  was  at  this  time  on  the  Piscataqua  River,  which  rises  in  a  pond  in 
"Wakefield,  N.  H.,  and  is  about  forty  miles  long.  Quampegan,  so  called  by 
the  natives  because  fish  were  taken  here  with  nets  (Williamson,  I.  22),  is 
the  great  landing  place,  having  falls  or  rapids  above  it,  and  being  at  the  head 
of  tide  navigation.     A  mile  and  a  half  above  it  are  the  Salmon  Falls. 

Quampegan  is  now  the  village  part  of  the  town  of  South  Berwick,  ]Maine, 
and  here  the  family  of  Hobbs  has  been  settled  for  several  generations. 
Inquiries,  however,  have  thus  far  failed  to  obtain  any  information  as  to 
"  Hobbs 's  Hole,"  which  we  can  only  suppose  to  have  been  some  remarkable 
eddy  or  other  natural  curiosity  in  the  river.  — Eds. 


190  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1687. 

drews  Moderator,  and  another,  in  Custody  at  Mr.  Gibbs 
House  ^  under  the  charge  of  Soiildiers. 

Monday,  Sept.  12.  Mr.  John  Alden,  the  ancient  Magis- 
trate of  Plymouth,  died. 

Monday,  Sept.  19.  Capt.  Ravenscroft  with  his  Com- 
pany level  Fort  Hill. 

Tuesday,  Capt.  White — Wednesday,  Capt.  Savage  — 
Thorsday,  Capt.  Davis  —  Friday,  Capt.  Haywood  —  Sat- 
terday,  Major  Luscomb. 

Wednesday,  Sept.  28.  Col.  Lidget.  (Monday  and 
Tuesday  it  rained.)  This  day  went  with  Mr.  Mather 
and  visited  Capt.  Bradstreet,  who  was  much  distracted 
last  night ;  but  now  pretty  well ;  said  had  not  slept  in 
several  nights,  being  confined  at  Fort-Hill.^  After,  I  went 
and  visited  Major  Appleton.  Major  Saltonstall  is  gon 
home  this  day,  giving  Bond  to  appear  at  Salem-Court. 

Thorsday,  Sept.  29.  Col.  Shrimp  ton  works,  and  the 
School-boys  there,  my  little  Sam.  among  the  rest. 

Friday,  Sept.  30.  Capt.  Paige  and  his  Troopers  work. 
This  day  Mrs.  Rawlins  is  buried.  Fast  at  Mr.  Allen's, 
where  my  mother,  wife  and  self  were :  Mr.  No  well  and 
Allen  exercised. 

Monday,  Oct.  3.      I  and  my  wife  ride  to  Sherborn, 


1  This  whole  transaction  is  fully  set  forth  by  Palfrey  (Hist.,  III.  525-528). 
It  grew  out  of  the  new  form  of  government,  by  which  no  legislature  was 
convened,  and  the  taxes  were  imposed  by  the  governor  in  council.  The  com- 
missioners and  selectmen  of  towns  were  required  to  assess  the  taxes  so  im- 
posed. At  Ipswich,  under  the  lead  of  Rev.  John  Wise,  the  town  refused  to 
act.  Six  of  the  principal  resistants  —  Wise,  John  Appleton,  John  Andrews, 
Robert  Kinsman,  William  Goodhue,  and  Thomas  French  —  were  put  in 
prison;  and,  Oct.  3,  tried  before  a  special  court,  consisting  of  Dudley, 
Stoughton,  Usher,  and  Randolph.  They  were  fined  from  £15  to  £50,  and, 
with  exorbitant  costs  and  charges,  their  expenses  reached  to  £400.  This 
vigorous  attack  effectually  silenced  all  farther  opposition.  — Eds. 

2  Dudley  Bradstreet,  of  Andover,  was  arrested  for  neglecting  and  refusing 
to  act  in  the  matter  of  the  taxes  in  his  town,  and  was  released  on  his  bond 
for  £1,000,  after  acknowledging  his  "  great  imprudence  and  folly."  Palfrey, 
III.  529.  — Eds. 


687.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  191 

George  Bairstow  accompanying  us.  Husk  Corn  and  trace 
[braid  ears  of  corn  by  the  inner  husks]. 

Tuesday,  Oct.  4.  Take  a  view  of  the  Meadow,  ride  to 
Joseph  Morse's;  set  an  H  on  a  sear  Pine,  which  said 
Morse  shewed  me  that  it  was  certainly  our  Bound-Tree, 
and  another  httle  green  Pine  with  Stones  at  the  Roots. 
It  wet,  and  so  rode  home.     This  Night  Horse  breaks  out. 

Wednesday,  Oct.  5.  Ride  near  round  the  Farm,  Goodm. 
Holbrook  shewing  me  the  Bounds  in  Company  of  Joseph 
Moss  and  Moses  Adams. 

♦Thorsday,  Oct.  6.  Joseph  Moss  and  Goodm.  Whitney 
shew  me  the  Stone-wall,  what  was  wanting  to  finish  it, 
that  so  the  Meadow  might  be  secured.  About  Noon  my 
Unkle  and  Goodm.  Brown  come  from  Braintrey.  On  my 
Tinkle's  Horse  after  Diner,  I  carry  my  wife  to  see  the 
Farm,  where  we  eat  Aples  and  drank  Cider.  Shew'd  her 
the  Meeting-house.  In  the  Even  Capt.  Prentice's  Negro 
brings  my  Horse.  In  the  Morn  Oct.  7*^  Unkle  and  Goodm. 
Brown  come  our  way  home  accompanying  of  us.  Set  out 
after  nine,  and  got  home  before  three.  Call'd  no  where 
by  the  way.  Going  out,  our  Horse  fell  down  at  once  upon 
the  Neck,  and  both  fain  to  scrabble  off,  yet  neither  receiv'd 
any  hurt.     Laus  Deo. 

Oct.  10.  Between  9.  and  10.  at  night,  Seth  Shove  goes 
on  Board  Daniel  Lunt  at  a  Wharf  over  against  Mr.  Mum- 
ford's  Shop  at  the  North  End :  Should  have  gon  away  at 
noon,  but  the  Master  Let  his  Bark  fall  aground  before  he 
was  aware. 

Thorsday,  Oct.  13.  A  Boy  of  about  5  years  old  is  burnt 
to  death  by  his  Shirt  catching  fire. 

Friday,  Oct.  14.  Eight  Companyes  in  Arms,  and  great 
Guns  fired.  At  night  a  Bonfire  on  Fort-Hill  round  a  Mast ; 
The  upper  works  fired  not,  but  the  Mast  weakened  with 
the  fire,  bowed  and  fell.  Strong  wind  at  first  and  so 
blaz'd  not  upright.  I  went  this  day  to  Hog-Iland,  and 
carried  Plank  to  make  a  way. 


192  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [16S7. 

Satterday,  Oct.  15.  Mr.  Bowls  brings  word  to  Town  of 
the  death  of  Mr.  Benjamin  Eliot  this  morning.  Mr.  Saflfin 
buries  his  only  surviving  Son  this  day,  Oct.  15.  Thomas 
died  of  the  Small  Pocks  in  London,  the  news  of  which 
came  just  about  the  Death  of  this. 

Oct.  16*:^  After  Exercise  went  to  the  Funeral  of  Mr. 
Benj.  Eliot,  met  the  Funeral.  Many  were  there,  some  of 
which  came  at  noon  to  hear  Mr.  Joseph  Eliot  preach.  Had 
the  Sacrament  today  at  the  North  Church ;  Mr.  Ratcliff 
also  had  the  Sacrament,  and  sent  to  Mr.  Willard  yesterday 
to  leave  off  sooner.  To  which  Mr.  Willard  not  consenting 
Governour  sent  for  him  in  the  night. 

Oct.  17,  1687.  Weare  Arrives,  in  whom  comes  the 
Governour's  Lady.'  Lands  about  eleven  aclock  at  Fort- 
hill  ;  Takes  Coach  in  the  narrow  way  that  leads  by  Mr. 
Gillam's ;  Governour,  his  Lady  and  one  more  ride  together. 
Many  Guns  fired.     Mr.  Stoughton  here. 

Oct.  18.  Carried  Mother  Hull  behind  me  to  Roxbury- 
Lecture ;  Mr.  Joseph  Eliot  preached.  Mr.  Stoughton, 
Moodey,  Allen,  Hobart,  Brown  and  Self  there.  House 
not  very  full  because  of  thC/ rawness  and  uncertainty  of 
the  day.  Got  home  about  ^  hour  after  Three.  Belcher 
arrives  this  day,  who  it's  said  is  Deputy  to  Sir  W:^  Phipps, 
Provost  Marshal.  Mr.  Eliot  said  the  King  was  turn'd  a 
Puritan,  and  he  was  ravish'd  at  it;  supose  'twas  from 
something  he  had  heard  as  to  som  Nonconformists,  Al- 
dermen and  Lord  Mayor.     As  came  home  from  Roxbury, 

1  The  Lady  Andros,  wife  of  the  governor,  was  Mary,  daughter  of  Sir 
Thomas  Craven.  Her  brother,  Sir  William  Craven,  was  a  second  cousin  of 
the  Earl  of  Craven,  and  upon  him  and  his  heirs  the  lesser  honor  of  the  Barony 
of  Hampstead  Marshall  was  entailed  at  the  request  of  the  Earl.  Lord  Craven 
was  for  many  years  the  favored  adviser  of  the  Queen  of  Bohemia  (the 
daughter  of  James  L),  report  even  alleging  a  private  marriage  between  them. 
Andros  had  been  a  gentleman  in  ordinary  to  the  same  queen;  and  we  may 
thence  infer  his  intimate  acquaintance  with  the  family  of  Cravens. 

Under  date  of  April  7, 1688,  hereinafter,  Sewall  mentions  Madam  Craven's 
going  off  from  Boston,  —  probably  some  relative  of  the  late  Lady  Andros.  — 
Eds. 


1687.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  193 

I  met  the  Governour  s  Lady  riding  in  her  Coach  hither- 
ward.  The  same  day  the  Governour's  Lady  arriv'd,  word 
came  that  Capt.  Phips  was  Knighted,  so  have  two  Ladies 
in  Town.^ 

Friday,  Oct.  21.  I  went  to  offer  my  Lady  Phips  my 
House  by  Mr.  Moodey's,  and  to  congratulate  her  prefer- 
ment. As  to  the  former,  she  had  bought  Sam.  Wakefield's 
House  and  Ground  last  night  for  350£.^  I  gave  her  a 
Gazett  that  related  her  Husband's  Knighthood,  which  she 
had  not  seen  before ;  and  wish'd  this  success  might  not 
hinder  her  passage  to  a  greater  and  better  Estate.  Gave 
me  a  cup  of  good  Beer,  and  thank'd  me  for  my  Visit. 
The  Governour  has  a  Gazett  of  the  22*.^  of  Augt,  that 
relates  great  success  of  the  Imperialists  against  the  Turks 
in  a  Battel  [battle  of  Mohacs,  in  Hungary]. 

Wednesday,  Oct.  26.  His  Excellency  with  sundry  of 
the  Council,  Justices  and  other  Gentlemen,  four  Blew- 
Coats,  two  Trumpeters,  Sam.  Bligh  one,  15  or  20  Red- 
Coats  with  small  Guns  and  short  Lances  in  the  Tops  of 
them,  set  forth  for  Woodcocks,^  in  order  to  goe  to  Con- 
necticut to  assume  the  Government  of  that  place. 


1  Le  Neve  (Catalogue  of  Knights)  says  that  Phips  was  knighted  at  Wind- 
sor Castle,  June  28,  1687.  —Eds. 

2  Nov.  28,  1687  (Deeds,  Lib.  17,  f.  221),  Daniel  Turell  and  wife  Maiy, 
and  Samuel  Wakefield  and  wife  Elizabeth,  sold  to  Sir  William  Phips  for 
£350  a  brick  house  and  land  near  unto  Charlestown  Ferry,  bounded  on  the 
north-east  side  by  the  street  leading  from  the  long  street  up  towards  the 
burying-place,  140  feet;  south-east  by  a  lane  leading  from  said  street  down 
towards  Mrs.  Carwithin's  house,  49  feet;  south-west  by  land  of  Turell,  145 
feet;  and  north-west  by  land  of  William  Sumner,  51  feet. 

Jan.  7,  1687-88  (ibid.,  f.  223),  Turell  sold  Phips  land  bounded  north-east 
by  Phips,  145  feet;  south-east  by  Green  Lane,  77  feet;  south-west  by  land 
of  Capt.  Samuel  Sewall,  154  feet;  north-west  by  land  of  William  Sumner, 
70  feet. —Eds. 

8  Woodcock's  inn  appears  again  in  connection  wnth  Andros,  being  men- 
tioned by  Captain  Prentiss  when  he  had  charge  of  the  recaptured  governor, 
in  August,  1689.  See  Andros's  "  Tracts,"  III.  101.  Barber  (Hist.  Coll. 
Mass.,  p.  Ill)  says  John  Woodcock  was  licensed,  in  1670,  to  keep  an  ordi- 
nary at  the  Ten-mile  River,  so  called,  which  is  in  the  way  from  Rehoboth  to 

13 


194  DIARr   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1687. 

Monday  before  Capt.  Tho.  Dudley  comes  with  his  Com- 
pany to  digg.  Tuesday,  25*.^  Andrew  Gardener ;  Wednes- 
day, Dorchester  Company  to  shovel,  and  carry  stockados ; 
so  the  Lecture  put  by. 

Oct.  27.  Mr.  Joseph  Eliot  preached  the  Lecture  from 
1  Cor.  2.  2.  parallels  the  diseases  of  New  England  with 
Corinth ;  among  others  mentions  itching  ears,  hearkening 
after  false  Teachers,  and  consequently  sucking  in  false 
Principles,  and  despising,  sitting  loose  from  the  true  Teach- 
ers. Advis'd  to  fly  into  the  Arms  of  a  crucifi'd  Christ, 
because  probably  might  have  no  whether  else  to  goe.  This 
morn,  Mr.  Sims  thanks  me  for  my  kindness  to  Goodm. 
Huchins. 

Oct.  29.  Mr.  Taylor  rides  to  Malborough  in  Company 
of  Mr.  Jon^  Eussell. 

Oct.  30.  Have  the  Lord's  Supper ;  got  home  rather 
before  12.  both  by  my  Clock  and  Dial.  Mr.  Oliver's 
James  was  baptized  in  the  Afternoon. 

Tuesday,  Nov.  1.  Mrs.  Elisa  Saffin  dies  after  about  six 
years  languishing,  keeping  her  Bed  a  great  part  of  the 
time.  Dies  about  5.  mane.  .  Joseph  Cowell  is  sent  away 
Post  to  Hartford  to  acquaint  Col.  Lidget  and  Counsellour 
Usher.  They  are  there  waiting  on  his  Excellency.  Mr. 
Willard  preached  Eoxbury  Lecture  from  Job.  1.  21.  The 
Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away,  &c.  Col. 
Shrimpton  there,  and  sat  by  me.  Mr.  Moodey  preaches 
this  day  at  Reading.     Connecticut  Government  changed. 

Nov.  3.  Mrs.  Anne  Williams  tells  me  that  an  English 
Maid  was  Executed  last  Thorsday  at  Bristow,  for  murder- 
ing her  Indian  Child. 

Thorsday,  Nov.  3.  The  Long  House  upon  Fort-Hill  is 
raised.^ 


the  bay;  and  that  it  stood  where  Hatch's  tavern  was  afterwards,  in  Attle- 
borough.     The  old  garrison  was  torn  down  in  1806.  —  Eds. 

1  We  have  seen  repeated  mention  in  the  text  of  this  work,  which  was  the 
building  of  a  fort  on  Fort  Hill.    Andros  wrote  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Admi* 


1687.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  195 

Satterday,  Nov.  12.  About  5  P.M.  Mrs.  Elisa  Saffin  is 
intombed.  Major  Richards,  Mr.  Cook,  Mr.  Chiever,  Mr. 
Joylitt',  Mr.  Addington  and  Sewall,  Bearers  :  had  Scarfs 
and  Rings.  Rings  given  at  the  House  after  coming  from 
the  Grave.  The  Lady  Andros  and  Phips  there.  Mother 
not  invited. 

Wednesday,  Nov.  16.  The  Governour  comes  to  Town 
returning  from  taking  the  Government  of  Conecticut.  In 
the  Even  sends  for  the  Ministers  and  so  Schools  them 
that  the  Thanksgiving  is  put  by  which  was  to  have  been 
the  17*^ 

Tuesday,  Nov.  15*!"  Began  to  lay  down  the  Wharf  at 
Hog-Iland,  went  thether  with  Mr.  Newgate ;  prosecuted 
the  same  business  on  Wednesday. 

Friday,  Nov.  18.  I  goe  over  with  Cousin  Savage,  and 
are  so  late  about  the  Wharf  that  I  lodge  there  all  night. 
'Tis  the  first  time  that  I  have  lodged  at  the  Hand. 

Satterday  Afternoon,  come  to  Town  with  Cous.  Savage. 
We  meet  Major  Gedney  who  tells  me  a  Thanksgiving  is 
apointed  to  be  next  Thorsday  Fortnight. 

Tuesday,  Nov.  22.  I  goe  to  Hog-Island  with  James 
Mirick.  Being  late  at  work,  and  wind  and  Tide  contrary, 
I  lodge  there  all  night,  which  is  the  second  time  of  my 
Lodging  there ;  on  Wednesday  come  home  and  hear  of 
Justice  Lynde's  death  yesterday  about  noon. 


ralty,  Sept.  5,  1687  (Andros  "Tracts,"  III.  75),  "I  have  made  a  Battery 
and  am  now  fortifying  a  place  att  the  South  end  of  the  towne,  called  Fort 
Hill,  very  proper  and  absolutely  necessary  for  his  Matiif  Service,  under  which 
is  a  good  Channell,  close  to  the  shore,  where  convenient  Warehouses  may  be 
made,  and  as  am  advised,  a  Dry  Dock  if  Occasion.  The  same  commanding 
the  Avenues  to  the  Town  by  Land  or  sea."  Nov.  28,  he  wrote  to  the 
Lords  of  the  Committee  (quoted  by  Palfrey,  Hist.,  HI.  549),  "I  have  now 
effected  a  palisade  fort  of  four  bastions  on  Fort  Hill,  at  the  south  end  of  this 
town,  commanding  the  harbor,  in  which  also  a  house  is  erected  for  lodging 
the  garrison,  much  wanted  and  necessary  for  his  Majesty's  service." 

An  engraved  view  of  the  fort  from  the  water  side,  made  about  1740,  has 
recently  been  recovered,  and  is  reproduced  in  the  "  Proceedings  of  the  Mass. 
Historical  Society"  for  1877.  —Eds. 


196  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1687. 

Brother  Stephen  lodged  here  in  my  absence,  and  the 
next  night  with  Unkle  Quinsey. 

Friday,  Nov.  25.  Mr.  Willard  hath  an  order  for  the 
Thanksgiving  left  with  him. 

Satterday,  Nov.  26.  Mr.  Simon  Lynde  is  buried.  Bear- 
ers, Col.  Shrimpton,  Mr.  Nowel,  Justice  Bullivant,  Justice 
Hutchinson,  Mr.  Addington,  Mr.  Saffin.  His  Excellency 
there,  went  in  a  Scarlet  Cloak.  This  last  week  the  Com- 
panies of  Boston  work  again  to  finish  the  Fort.  Friday, 
Nov.  25,  Capt.  Dudley  brings  his  Company. 

Friday,  Dec.  %  1687.  About  10.  at  night  Mr.  Jn«  Hay- 
ward  dies,  having  been  speechless  48  hours.  This  Friday 
Wild  sets  sail  from  Marblehead,  in  whom  goes  Capt. 
Hutchinson. 

Sabbath,  Dec.  4.  Mr.  Willard  baptiseth  his  little  Mar- 
garet, born  about  8.  last  night.  In  the  Even  Capt.  Eliot, 
Frary.  Williams  and  SeK,  Treat  with  Brother  Wing  about 
his  Setting  a  Room  in  his  House  for  a  man  to  shew  Tricks 
in.^  He  saith,  seeing  'tis  offensive,  he  will  remedy  it.  It 
seems  the  Room  is  fitted  with  Seats.  I  read  what  Dr. 
Ames  saith  of  Callings,  and  Spake  as  I  could,  from  this 
Principle,  That  the  Man's  Practice  was  unlawfull,  and 
therefore  Capt.  Wing  could  not  lawfully  give  him  an  ac- 
comodation for  it.  Sung  the  90*^  Ps.  from  the  12*.^  v.  to 
the  end.     Broke  up. 

Dec'  7*.^  1687.  Foye  Sails,  in  whom  goes  Mr.  Salton- 
stall  and  Mr.  Nowell.  'Tis  reported  that  Wilde  sail'd  but 
this  morning. 

^  This  room  was  undoubtedly  one  in  Mr.  Wing's  tavern.  (Suff.  Deeds, 
Lib.  9,  f.  151),  William  Hudson,  vintner,  and  wife  Anne,  sold  to  John 
Wing,  their  house  and  lands,  called  the  Castle  Tavern.  Hudson  was 
the  original  owner,  as  the  "Book  of  Possession"  shows.  The  land  was 
bounded  north-east  140  feet  3  inches  on  the  lane  called  Hudson's  Lane  (af- 
terwards Wing's  Lane  and  now  Elm  Street) ;  south-east  by  the  broad  street 
next  the  dock  (i.e.,  Washington  Street  to  Dock  Square),  24:  feet  9  inches; 
north,  561  feet,  on  land  of  Christopher  Parbus;  south-west  by  Habakuk 
Glover  and  Eliakim  Hutchinson,  163  feet  5  inches;  west  by  Thomas  Brattl<», 
58  feet  6  inches.  —  Eds. 


1687.]         '  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  197 

Decy  9.  Mr.  Palmer  at  the  Coffee-House  said  Connec- 
ticut had  received  Letters  from  their  Agent  by  Prentice, 
gone  in  to  New  London,  in  which  desires  Money  ;  and  that 
they  are  troubled  at  their  hasty  Surrender. 

Monday,  Dec''  12.  Col.  Mason  calls  here  with  Mr. 
Hutchinson  ;  I  stick  at  his  Reservation  of  Masts  24  Inches 
Diameter. 

Dec^  13.  Carry  my  wife  to  Roxbury  Lecture.  Note, 
Friday  Decf  9*?.'  Major  Apple  ton  is  by  a  mittimus  comitted 
to  the  Stone-Prison,  remov'd  from  Gibbs's  House. ^  Sabbath, 
Dec''  11.  Mr.  Mather  propounds  his  going  to  England,  to 
his  Church  for  their  Consent. 

Dec''  15.  Mr.  Mather  preaches  the  Lecture  from  Judges 
8.  27.  —  which  thing  became  a  snare  unto  Gideon  and  to 
his  house.  Shewed  that  Good  Men  might  fall  into  such 
scandalous  Sins  as  might  bring  temporal  Wrath  and  ruin 
upon  themselves  and  upon  their  posterity.  Mr.  Stoughton 
and  Dudley  not  at  Lecture. 

Sabbath,  Dec":  18.  Is  a  very  Rainy  and  dark  day,  a  great 
Thaw.  Sung  at  the  Meeting  in  the  Morning  the  129*.^ 
Psalm,  Many  a  time,  &c.  Mr.  Willard  preach'd  from  Heb. 
11.  36-37,  to  the  word  tempted,  inclusively.  Sung  in  the 
Family  the  34*.^  In  the  night  it  thunder'd  and  lightend 
pretty  much. 

Tuesday,  Dec^  20.  A  cold  blustering  day ;  in  the  even 
Mr.  Eliot  and  Frary  visit  me  :  we  sing  the  4^.?  Psalm. 
President  calls  on  Horsback  but  lights  not,  speaks  about 
Mr.  Mason,  said  Mr.  Morton  not  to  be  called  till  next 


1  This  house  was  a  celebrated  mansion,  built  by  Col.  Robert  Gibbs.  Josse- 
lyn,  in  his  "New  England's  Rarities"  (1672),  writes  as  follows:  "  There 
are  fair  buildings,  some  of  stone,  and  at  the  East  End  of  the  Town,  one 
amongst  the  rest  built  by  the  Shore  by  Mr.  Gibs,  a  Merchant,  being  a  stately 
Edifice,  which  it  is  thought  will  stand  him  in  little  less  than  3000£  before  it 
be  fully  finished."  From  a  note  in  Veazie's  edition  of  Josselyn  (p.  34),  it 
seems  that  this  land  was  formerly  Henry  Webb's.  Dunton  also  mentions 
this  house.  Gibbs'  Wharf,  to  the  southward  of  the  fort  on  Fort  Hill,  is  on 
the  early  maps.  — Eds. 


198  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  flGaj. 

Term.^  This  day,  or  Monday,  was  buried  one  Mr.  Lock 
in  Capt.  Hamilton's  Tomb.  It's  thought  he  kill'd  himself 
with  Drink.  Was  in  the  Kiot  that  Capt.  Hunting  was 
wounded  in  at  Charlestown,  as  is  said. 

Friday  goe  to  Charlestown  Lecture. 

Satterday,  Dec^  24^.^  Very  dark  and  much  warm  Rain. 
The  sun  appeared  not  all  day  that  I  saw,  or  yet  hear  of. 

Sabbath,  25.  Have  the  Lord's  Supper  at  the  South 
Church,  break  up  about  noon,  at  which  time  I  hear  that 
Mr.  Mather  was,  on  Satterday  between  1.  and  2.  P.M. 
Arrested  ^  by  Larkin,  to  answer  for  a  Trespass  on  Mr.  Ran- 
dolp,  500. £.  damage.  Major  Richards  and  Capt.  Turell 
bound.  Just  as  Morn-Exercise  ends  Mr.  Cotton  Mather's 
child  dies ;  yet  he  preaches  at  Charlestown  in  the  after- 
noon. 

Wednesday,  Jan.  4.  Rode  to  Cambridge-Lecture,  Mr. 
Jn"*  Bayly  preached  from  Ephes.  2.  1. 

Visited  Aunt  Mitchell  and  Cousin  Fissenden,  where  I 
dined  in  company  of  him,  his  wife  and  father  Chany. 
Very  cold  day,  yet  got  home  comfortably. 

Tuesday,  Jan.  10*.^  168|.     Carried  Mother  Hull  on  my 


1  See  Palfrey's  Histoiy  of  New  England,  III.  547.  — Eds. 

2  This  suit  of  Randolph's  was  based  upon  a  curious  transaction.  Some 
time  before,  Randolph  had  received  from  a  friend  in  England  a  copy  of  a 
letter  which  he  saw  in  Amsterdam,  signed  I.  M.,  and  dated  in  Boston.  This 
letter,  which  was  written  in  a  spirit  inimical  to  Randolph  and  his  party,  was 
attributed  to  Increase  Mather.  Mather  not  onlj''  expressly  denied  the  author- 
ship, in  a  letter  to  J.  Dudley  (Mass.  Hist.  Soc.  Coll.,  4th  Series,  VIII.  101), 
but  accused  Randolph  of  being  the  forger.  Later,  Mather  said  that  he  meant 
not  Edmund  Randolph,  but  a  brother.     Ibid.,  p.  112. 

Palfrey,  III.  557,  inclines  to  the  opinion  that  Cotton  Mather  was  the 
writer.  This  is  opposed  in  the  notes  to  the  Collections  above  quoted, 
pp.  108,  109,  and  the  truth  will  probably  never  be  discovered. 

Randolph  lost  his  suit,  the  jury  giving  the  defendant  costs.  Coll.,  VIII. 
704.  He  then,  as  Hutchinson  says  (Hist.,  I.  366),  "  I  know  not  how,  was 
bringing  a  new  action  for  the  same  defamation."  Mather  was  solicited  to 
become  the  agent  to  England  of  the  discontented  part  of  the  colonists ;  and, 
in  order  to  go  abroad,  he  avoided  the  service  of  the  writ  by  lying  concealed 
—  Eds. 


1685.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  199 

Horse  to  Roxbury-Lecture,  where  Mr.  Moodey  preached 
from  Jn^  15.  6.  shewing,  that  not  abiding  in,  or  apostatiz- 
ing from  Christ,  is  a  ruinating  evil.  Mr.  Stoughton,  the 
President,  and  Unkle  Quinsey  there.  A  very  pleasant 
comfortable  day. 

Monday,  Jan.  9*.^  Lieut.  Alford  arrested  for  not  Watch- 
ing. 

Wednesday,  Jan.  11*:^.  Sam.  falls  ill  of  the  Measles: 
Joshua  Gee,  come  in  Capt.  Legg,  visits  me,  and  returns 
thanks  for  my  kindness  to  him  when  Captive  in  Algier. 

Thorsday,  Jan.  12.  Eliakim  falls  ill  of  the  Measles. 
Joshua  Gee  dines  with  us.  Mr.  Allen  preaches  the 
Lecture. 

Friday,  Jan.  13.  Betty  Lane  falls  sick  of  the  Measles. 
Get  Mehetabel  Thirston  to  help  us.  Sabbath  only  Mother 
and  self  at  Meeting  :  Betty  vomits  up  a  long  worm :  Me- 
hetabel goes  home  sick. 

Friday,  Jan.  13.  Joshua  Gee  with  Joseph  Bridgham, 
Jn°  Barnard  and  Dyar,  come  to  agree  with  me  what  I 
must  have  for  my  Money  disbursed  in  London  :  said  Gee 
presents  me  with  a  pair  of  Jerusalem  Garters  which  cost 
above  2  pieces  |  [Spanish  dollars]  in  Algier ;  were  made 
by  a  Jew. 

13*.^  Jan.  Mr.  Moodey  hears  that  Martha,  a  Grandchild 
of  4.  or  5.  years  old,  is  scalded  to  death  at  Barnstable. 
Speaks  at  Mr.  Sarah.  [Mrs.  Sarah  Noyes  ?]  Mother  and  I 
hear  him. 

Monday,  Jan.  15  [16].     Mary  Draper  comes  to  help  us. 

Jan.  18.  Capt.  Ravenscroft  having  petition'd  for  a 
Farm  at  Blew  Hills,  Cranes  who  Rents  it,  is  said,  in 
stead  of  defending  the  Towns  Interest,  joins  in  petition- 
ing :  Complains  that  the  Select  Men  slighted  him  and  did 
not  take  care  for  his  defence.  Crane  was  Sumoned  the 
Thorsday  before  to  this  Council-day. 

Friday,  Jan.  20.  Coming  from  Charlestown  Lecture,  I 
saw  Mr.  Wears  Ship  lying  on  her  Larbord  side,  fell  so  on 


200  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [168^ 

Wednesday  by  reason  of  Melasses  between  Decks,  as  she 
lay  at  Scarlet's  Wharf.  Are  now  by  Boats  and  empty 
Buts  trying  to  right  her  again.  Is  much  damage  to  Sugar 
that  was  laden,  the  water  coming  into  her :  besides  what 
damage  the  Ship  may  receive.  Many  people  looking  at 
this  odd  sight.  This  is  the  Ship  my  Lady  [Andros]  ar- 
riv'd  in,  Octf  17^}  and  in  which  Mr.  Mather  hath  bespoke 
his  passage  for  London. 

Satterday,  Jan.  21.  My  dear  Daughter  Haiiah  is  put 
to  bed,  or  rather  kept  in  Bed,  being  sick  of  the  Measles. 
Droop'd  ever  since  Thorsday. 

Sabbath,  22!^.  Hanah's  Measles  appear  very  full  in  her 
face  :  had  a  restless  night,  read  in  course  the  38*.^  Psalm. 
My  Lady  Andros  was  prayed  for  in  Publick ;  who  has 
been  dangerously  ill  ever  since  the  last  Sabbath.  Today  I 
hear  that  Mr.  Brown  of  Salem,  the  Father,  dyed  on  Friday 
last  in  the  afternoon.  One  of  a  Dutch  Church  in  London 
is  admitted  to  the  Lord's  Supper  with  us.  About  the 
beginning  of  our  afternoon  Exercise,  the  Lady  Andros 
expires. 

Monday,  Jan.  23.  The  Clarks  take  Lists  of  the  Com- 
panies, take  in  the  Deacons. 

Monday,  Jan.  23.  The  Measles  come  out  pretty  full 
on  my  dear  Wife,  which  I  discern  before  I  rise.  She  was 
very  ill  in  the  night. 

Tuesday,  Jan.  24.  Betty  Sewall  keeps  her  Bed  ;  but  is 
not  so  full  as  her  Sister  Hanah.  Capt.  Nicholson  sat  with 
me  an  hour  or  two  on  Monday  night. 

Tuesday,  Jan.  24*-  About  noon,  the  Physician  tells  me 
the  Measles  are  come  out  in  my  face,  and  challenges  me 
for  his  Patient. 

Wednesday,  Jan.  25.  Harris  arrives  from  London,  brings 
a  Gazett  to  the  5*.^  of  December  wherein  is  the  Address  of 
the  N.  E.  Ministers.^    I  hear  the  notable  firing  as  I  lye  abed 

1  See  Collections,  Mather  Papers,  p.  698.  — Eds. 


1685.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  201 

Friday,  Jan.  27.  Mr.  Willard  having  been  at  Mr.  Brown's 
Funeral,  acquaints  me  of  Brother's  being  very  ill  of  the 
Measles,  and  his  family  was  taken  rather  before  me.  In 
the  afternoon  I  arise  to  have  my  Sweaty  Bed  made  and 
dri'd. 

Monday,  Jan.  30.  Near  noon  Mr.  Bullivant  gives  a 
Warrant  to  the  Constables,  and  causeth  the  Shops  to  be 
shut.     [Martyrdom  of  Charles  I.] 

Jan.  31.  Mr.  Randolph,  in  his  Action  against  Mr.  In- 
crease Mather,  is  cast.  Mr.  Hale  being  subpoena' d  by  Mr. 
Randolph,  pleaded  he  might  not  lay  his  hand  on  the  Bible ; 
must  Swear  by  his  Creator,  not  Creature.  'Twas  granted 
that  he  only  lift  up  his  Hand  as  customary  in  New  Eng- 
land. Col.  Shrimpton  lent  Mr.  Mather  his  Coach  to  ride 
home  :  He  abode  there  the  time  of  the  Tryal,  to  be  at 
hand  if  need  were. 

Feb.  2.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  visits  me,  and  tells  me  that 
Col.  Shrimpton  and  Mr.  Brow^n  are  made  of  the  Council. 

Feb.  3.  Unkle  Quinsey  visits  us,  and  tells  us  that  one 
Withrington,  a  lusty  young  man  of  Dorchester,  is  dead  of 
the  Measles.  News  comes  by  Mr.  Harris  of  the  Death  of 
Mr.  Jn"  ColHns. 

Satterday,  Feb.  4.  Mr.  Stoughton  visits  ns  and  tells 
that  Mr.  Shrimpton  and  Brow^n  w^ere  sworn  of  the  Council 
last  Wednesday.  Watertowms  Trouble  about  a  Town- 
Rate. 

Sabbath,  Feb.  5^-  I  go  to  Meeting  after  the  Measles ; 
read  in  course  at  home  the  39*^-  Ps.  I  said  I  will  look  to 
my  ways,  &c.  w^hich  was  also  sung  in  publick.  Mr.  Wil- 
lard's  Sermon  about  keeping  a  Conscience  void  of  offence, 
in  the  afternoon  when  I  was  there.  See  Mr.  Carre's 
Letter. 

Monday,  Feb.  6.  Towards  noon  the  Shops  are  again 
shut  up  by  a  Warrant  from  a  Justice,  'tis  said  Col.  Lidget. 

Tuesday,  Feb.  7.  My  Aunt  Gerrish  dies  between  7. 
md  8.  mane :  Had  the  Mtjasles  lateh*,  and  now^  by  Flux^ 


202  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALI,.  [1685. 

vapours  and  others  inconveniences,  expires  before  I  had 
so  much  as  heard  of  her  being  ill,  that  I  know  of.  This 
day,  my  wife,  Sam.  and  self  purge  after  the  Measles. 

Wednesday,  Feb.  8.  Obad.  Gill,  Jn^  Atwood,  and  Jos. 
Davis  are  fined  by  Judge  West  [blank]  Marks  ^  apice,  for 
refusing  to  lay  their  hands  on  the  Bible  in  Swearing. 

Friday,  Feb.  10, 16 8|.  Between  4.  and  5. 1  went  to  the 
Funeral  of  the  Lady  Andros,  having  been  invited  by  the 
Clark  of  the  South  Company.  Between  7.  and  8.  (Lychus 
[Lynchs  ?  i.e.,  links  or  torches]  illuminating  the  cloudy  air) 
The  Corps  was  carried  into  the  Herse  drawn  by  Six  Horses. 
The  Souldiers  making  a  Guard  from  the  Governour's  House  ^ 

^  By  Coles's  Dictionary  (London,  1701)  we  find  that  a  mark  of  silver  was 
135.  4c?.,  and  a  mark  of  gold,  33s.  4c?.  By  the  entry  later,  under  date  of 
March  30,  1688,  it  seems  they  were  fined  one  silver  mark  each.  —  Eds. 

2  The  governor's  house  was  apparently  upon  Prison  Lane,  by  which  we 
are  to  understand  at  that  time  Court  Street,  from  Washington  Street  up  to 
the  Court-house,  or  about  to  Franklin  Alley.  Andros 's  first  residence  was 
Mrs.  Rebecca  Tailer's  house,  as  already  noted.  This  house  was  on  the 
southerly  corner  of  Elm  and  Hanover  Streets,  as  the  following  evidence  will 
show. 

At  the  division  of  the  estate  of  Capt.  Thomas  Brattle,  May  10,  1684 
(Deeds,  Lib.  13,  f.  162),  William  Brattle  had  assigned  him  a  house  and  land, 
bounded  northerly  by  the  lane  that  leads  from  the  great  dock  to  the  house  of 
the  late  William  Tailer,  deceased ;  west  by  land  of  Francis  Dowse,  reserving 
a  twenty-foot  passage  along  said  line ;  south  by  the  pasture  of  said  Thomas 
Brattle,  which  is  said  (Lib.  13,  f.  96)  to  be  of  about  eight  acres,  near  unto 
Centry  Hill. 

The  main  Brattle  lot  was  doubtless  that  recorded  in  the  "  Book  of  Posses- 
sions "  as  belonging  to  William  Tyng,  whose  daughter  married  Brattle. 

Feb.  17,  1701-2  (Deeds,  Lib.  21,  f.  148),  William  Tailer  sells  to  Edward 
Lyde  his  house  and  lands  now  occupied  by  said  Lyde,  bounded  north-westerly 
by  the  back  street  leading  from  the  mill-bridge  towards  the  upper  part  of 
Prison  Lane,  167-|  ft. ;  north  east  by  Wing's  lane,  57^  ft. ;  east-southerly  by 
heks  of  Isaac  Walker,  96  ft. ;  north  east  by  do.,  37  ft. ;  east  south  by  land  of 

Ingrum,  late  of  Francis  Dowse,  73  ft. ;  south  by  Thaddeus  Maccarty 

late  Tho«  Brattle,  61  ft. ;  south  west  by  James  Allen,  113  ft. 

The  various  deeds  of  the  Brattles  show  that  the  Dowse  land  was  west  of 
theirs  and  next  to  Tailer's. 

Finally,  in  1708,  in  the  order  of  the  selectmen  laying  out  and  naming  the 
streets,  we  find  "  the  way  leading  from  Mr.  Pemberton's  corner  at  the  end  of 
Dock  Square,  to  Justice  Lyd's  corner  in  Hanover  street,  Wing^s  lane.''^ 

Hence  Andros  lived  first  on  the  corner  of  Elm  and  Hanover  Streets.    Did 


16SJ.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  203 

down  the  Prison  Lane  to  the  South-Meetinghouse,  there 
taken  out  and  carried  in  at  the  western  dore,  and  set  in  the 
Alley  before  the  pulpit,  with  Six  Mourning  Women  by  it. 
House  made  light  with  Candles  and  Torches.  Was  a  great 
noise  and  clamor  to  keep  people  out  of  the  House,  that 
might  not  rush  in  too  soon.  I  went  home,  where  about 
nine  aclock  I  heard  the  Bells  toll  again  for  the  Funeral.  It 
seems  Mr.  Katcliffs  Text  was.  Cry,  all  flesh  is  Grass.  The 
Ministers  turn'd  in  to  Mr.  Willards.  The  Meeting-House 
full,  among  whom  Mr.  Dudley,  Stoughton,  Gedney,  Brad- 
street,  &c.  'Twas  warm  thawing  wether,  and  the  wayes 
extream  dirty.  No  volley  at  placing  the  Body  in  the 
Tomb.^  On  Satterday  Feb.  11,  the  mourning  cloth  of  the 
Pulpit  is  taken  off  and  given  to  Mr.  Willard.  My  Brother 
Stephen  was  at  the  Funeral  and  lodged  here. 

Satterday,  Feb.  11.  Cary  arrives  from  Jamaica,  5  weeks 
Passage :  brings  word  that  the  Duke  of  Albemarle  was 
there,  and  Sir  William  [Phips]  upon  the  Wreck. ^ 

he  live  there  at  the  time  of  the  funeral?  The  text  would  rather  imply  that 
the  governor's  house  was  on  Prison  Lane,  and  yet  it  is  not  incompatible  with 
his  living  a  short  distance  down  Hanover  Street. 

Some  years  later,  the  Earl  of  Bellomont,  then  governor,  writes  to  the 
Lords  of  Trade  (N.  E.  Hist,  and  Gen.  Register,  VI.  83)  that  he  paid  £100 
a  year  for  a  house  in  Boston,  besides  his  charge  for  a  stable.  "  It  is  for  the 
king's  honor  that  his  governor  have  a  house;  there  is  a  very  good  house  plot 
where  Sir  Edmund  Andros  lived,  in  the  best  part  of  the  town."  —  Eds. 

1  It  seems,  from  a  statement  made  in  Bridgman's  "  King's  Chapel  Epi- 
taphs," p.  318,  and  repeated  by  Shurtleff,  p.  193,  that  Lady  Andros  was 
buried  in  a  tomb  afterwards  owned  by  Dr.  Benjamin  Church,  of  Bevolution- 
ary  fame.  —  Eds. 

2  The  Life  of  Sir  William  Phips,  by  Cotton  Mather,  in  the  "  Magnalia," 
and  that  by  Professor  Bowen,  in  Sparks's  Biography,  furnish  full  and  inter- 
esting information  about  the  extraordinary  and  romantic  career  of  this  veiy 
remarkable  man.  One  of  twenty-one  sons,  says  Mather,  in  a  family  of 
twenty-six  children  of  the  same  parents,  he  was  born  at  what  is  now  Wool- 
wich, Me.,  Feb.  2,  1651.  His  father,  a  blacksmith  and  shipwright,  at  his 
death  left  this  numerous  family  in  the  care  of  the  mother,  on  the  sea-coast 
bordering  a  wild  forest  filled  with  Indians,  wolves,  and  bears.  The  son  Wil- 
liam, first  a  shepherd,  then  a  ship-carpenter,  is  said  to  have  learned  to  read 
and  write  only  when,  at  the  age  of  twenty-two,  he  was  working  at  his  trade 
in  Boston.     Being  from  his  earliest  years  of  a  roving  and  adventurous  spirit^ 


204  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [168|. 

Thorsdaj,  Feb.  23*  Sam.  Topan  brings  word  of  my  sick 
Mother,  and  my  being  sent  for  to  see  her. 

Friday,  Feb.  24.  I  set  out,  get  to  Newbury  by  9.  at 
night,  ways  being  very  bad.  Find  Mother  something 
better,  so  that  speaks  to  me  comfortably.  Father  and 
Brother  Sewall  were  gone  to  Bed  before  I  came  in. 

Satterday,  25^.^.     Brother  Ste.  goes  home  to  Salem. 


he  was  impelled  to  undertake  the  recovery  of  the  treasure  in  a  wrecked  and 
sunken  vessel  in  the  Spanish  Main.-  Having  gone  to  England  in  1684,  by 
zealous  persistency,  with  royal  patronage,  he  obtained  a  public  vessel  for  his 
first  search,  which  proving  unsuccessful,  the  Duke  of  Albemarle  was  at  the 
charge  of  a  second  enterprise  for  the  same  end.  The  result  in  this  case  was 
dazzlingly  successful.  He  recovered  treasure  exceeding  in  value  a  million 
and  a  half  of  dollars,  his  own  share  being  near  a  hundred  thousand,  with  a 
gold  cup  to  his  wife  of  the  value  of  five  thousand,  as  a  present  from  the  Duke 
of  Albemarle.  Besides  knighting  him,  the  King  made  him  High  Sheriff  of 
New  England.  He  also  succeeded  as  commander  of  the  fleet  which  captured 
Port  Royal  from  the  French,  in  1690,  but  met  with  disastrous  failure  in  his 
assault  on  Quebec.  He  was  appointed  the  first  Governor  of  Massachusetts 
under  the  province  charter.  There  was  no  truth  in  the  rumor  that  the  Duke 
of  Albemarle  accompanied  him  on  his  voyage  in  search  of  the  treasure-ship. 

Notwithstanding  Mather's  wonderful  story  of  the  twenty  brothers  of  Sir 
William,  Savage  points  out  that  only  one,  John,  is  ever  heard  of.  It  seems 
certain  that  this  John  Phips  had  a  son  John,  who  lived  at  Wrentham,  and 
left  issue. 

Lady  Phips  was  the  widow  of  a  John  Hull  (not  Sewall's  father-in-law)  and 
daughter  of  Capt.  Roger  Spencer.  She  had  two  sisters;  viz.,  the  wife  of 
Freegrace  Norton,  and  Rebecca,  wife  of  Dr.  David  Bennett.  Spencer  Ben- 
nett, nephew  of  Lady  Phips,  took  the  name  of  Phips,  inherited  Sir  William's 
wealth,  and  became  Lieutenant-Governor  of  the  province.  He  died,  in  1757, 
leaving  descendants  by  daugliters  only. 

There  was  another  family  of  the  name,  to  which  belonged  Samuel  Phips, 
Register  of  Deeds  for  Middlesex,  and  Solomon,  who  married  Mary  Danforth. 
In  this  branch  is  preserved  a  portrait,  said  to  be  that  of  Sir  William  (see 
Mass.  Hist.  Soc.  Proceedings  for  November,  1870) ;  but  as  we  know  of  no 
relationship,  we  may  presume  the  portrait  is  that  of  some  real  ancestor  in 
this  distinct  line. 

By  a  strange  blunder,  Sir  William  was  claimed  as  an  ancestor  by  the 
noble  family  of  Phipps,  created  Marquises  of  Normanby,  1838,  Earls  of 
Mulgrave,  1812;  Barons  Mulgrave,  in  England,  1794,  in  Ireland,  1767. 
They  are  descended  from  Sir  Constantine  Phipps,  Lord  Chancellor  of  Ii-e- 
land  in  1710,  who  was  certainly  not  a  son  of  our  Governor.  The  cousinship 
now  stated  in  the  Peerages  is  probably  doubtful,  though  both  families  bear 
the  same  arms.  —  Eds. 


168|.]  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  205 

Sabbath.  26^.^  I  sit  down  with  the  Church  of  Newbury 
at  the  Lord's  Table.  The  Songs  of  the  5'.^  of  the  Revela- 
tion were  sung.  I  was  ready  to  burst  into  tears  at  that 
word,  boitght  loitli  thy  blood.  Me  thoughts  'twas  strange 
that  Christ  should  cheapen  us  -,  but  that  when  the  bargain 
came  to  be  driven,  he  should  consent  rather  to  part  with 
his  blood,  than  goe  without  us ;  'twas  amazing.  Before 
night  Dr.  Weld  comes  with  Sam.  Topan,  being  sent  by 
Brother  to  see  if  he  could  reliev  Mother,  so  he  and  Mr. 
Doel  consult. 

Feb.  28.  Dr.  Weld  and  I  came  to  Salem  in  good  wether 
and  ways  much  mended. 

Feb.  29.  Come  home  about  3.  aclock  and  find  all  well 
through  God's  Grace. 

Feb.  29.  Mrs.  Foster  is  buried,  and  Mr.  Giles  Masters, 
the  King's  Attorney,  dies.  Yesterday  Mr.  West's  only 
child  buried. 

Thorsday,  March  1.     Mr.  Masters  is  buried. 

Tuesday,  March  6.  Ride  to  Ne>vbury  in  Company  of 
Mr.  Cook,  Hutchinson,  and  Sam.  Walker,  Mariner. 

Wednesday,  went  to  Portsmouth. 

Thorsday,  March  8.  Went  up  the  River  to  Capt.  Ham- 
ond  who  keeps  Kittery  Town  Book.  Mr.  Hutchinson  to 
Nichewanook. 

Friday,  March  9.  Goe  to  the  Great  Hand,  saw  the  Mast- 
Ship  sail. 

Satterday,  March  10.  Rid  to  Sagamore's  Crick.  Sev- 
eral went  to  meet  the  Judges. 

Sabbath,  March  11.  Heard  Mr.  Lovie  preach  from 
Psal.  45.  7.  Going  home  at  noon  Mr.  Stoughton  fell 
off  a  Long  [?]  into  water  with  his  right  Legg  and 
hand. 

Monday,  March  12.  Mr.  Mason  discontinues  his  Actions 
against  Mr.  Cook  and  me,  saying.  That  Mr.  Masters  being 
dead,  the  papers  could  not  be  come  at. 

Tuesday,  March  13.    Waited  on  the  Judges  to  Ipswich, 


206  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  ri68|. 

Mr.  Cook  and  Hutchinson  going  up  the  river.  I  lodgd  at 
Sparks's  whether  Mr.  Stoughton  and  Capt.  Apleton  came 
to  see  me  in  the  evening. 

March  14.  Came  home,  riding  round  by  Eoxbury,  the 
wind  being  extream  high.  Got  home  between  3.  and  4. 
Met  with  some  Rain  between  Cambridge  and  the  Town. 
Found  all  well.     Laus  Deo. 

March  14,  about  2  P.M.  Mrs.  Downs,  Mr.  Eliot's  Sister, 
dies  of  Convulsions. 

On  Monday,  March  the  12.  There  was  no  aniversary 
Town-Meeting  at  Boston,  to  choose  Select-Men  and  Con- 
stables, &c.  as  hath  been  formerly  used.  This  day  Capt. 
Wait  Winthrop  falls  down  his  stairs  and  is  grievously 
hurt. 

March  15.  Capt.  Tho.  Dudley  is  thrown  by  a  Horse, 
on  oxen,  and  is  much  endangered. 

Satterday,  March  16.  The  order  is  pass'd  about  Select- 
Men,  to  be  of  an  even  number,  not  exceed  Eight  any 
where  ;  if  any  refuse.  Justices  to  supply.  To  make  Rates 
approved  by  Justices.  To  be  chosen  the  3?  Monday  in 
May.  Not  to  meet  at  any  other  time  on  any  pretence 
whatsoever,  i.  e.  the  Town.  Published.  March  19.  On 
which  day  Salem  Gentlemen  come  wilily  to  Town  early 
in  the  morn  and  buy  up  a  great  quantity  of  Salt,  they 
having  advice  that  none  to  be  had  at  Salt.-Tartoodas 
[Tortugas] . 

Thorsday,  March  22.  Mr.  Mather  preaches  his  farewell 
Lecture,  from  Exod.  33.  15.  If  thy  Presence  goe  not  — 
mentioned  the  sound  of  going  on  the  tops  of  the  Mulberry 
Trees.  Desired  Prayers  and  Presence  for  Goers  and 
Stayers. 

Friday,  March  23.     Shaller's  Still-House  ^  with  English 

1  This  was  the  property  of  Michael  Shaller,  who  was  a  late  comer  here. 
He  seems  to  have  owned  land  at  the  south  end,  on  both  sides  of  Washington 
Street.  One  lot,  mortgaged  by  him  two  or  three  times,  was  on  the  west  side, 
just  north  of  the  corner  of  Boylstou  Street.     It  was  a  brick  house  with  or- 


1688.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  207 

Hay  in  the  Loft,  fell  on  fire,  and  had  not  the  wind  carri'd 
the  flame  into  the  Commonward  in  all  probability  many 
Houses  had  been  consumed  and  ours  among  the  rest. 
4  P.M. 

March  25,  1688.  Mr.  Increase  Mather  preaches  at  the 
South-Meeting  from  Ezek.  47.  11.  But  the  mirie  places, 
&c.     See  the  Sermon  Preacht  in  the  morning. 

March  27'.^  1688.  Last  night  a  cold,  blustering  N.W. 
wind.  Three  Indian  Children  being  alone  in  a  Wigwam 
at  Muddy-River,  the  Wigwam  fell  on  fire,  and  burnt  them 
so  that  they  all  died,  youngest  bowells  burnt  out  in  the 
Wigwam.  Eldest,  10.  or  12.  years  old,  got  to  an  English 
House  a  little  before  day ;  but  died  quickly. 

March  28,  1688.  Capt.  Davis  spake  to  me  for  Land  to 
set  a  Church  on.  I  told  him  could  not,  would  not,  put 
Mr.  Cotton's  Land  to  such  an  use,  and  besides,  'twas  En- 
tail'd.  After,  Mr.  Randolph  saw  me,  and  had  me  to  his 
House  to  see  the  Landscips  of  Oxford  Colledges  and  Halls. 
Left  me  with  Mr.  RatcHff,  who  spake  to  me  for  Land  at 
Cotton-Hill  for  a  Church  which  were  going  to  build  :  I 
told  him  I  could  not,  first  because  I  would  not  set  up  that 
which  the  People  of  N.  E.  came  over  to  avoid  :  2*^  the 
Land  was  Entail'd.  In  after  discourse  I  mentioned  chiefly 
the  Cross  in  Baptism,  and  Holy  Dayes. 

March  29,  1688.  Mr.  Moodey  preaches  from  Isa.  9. 
12,  13.  for  all  this  his  anger,  &c.     This  day  my  wife  sitts 


chards,  and  we  might  conclude  it  to  be  the  one  mentioned  in  the  text,  but 
for  Sewall's  remark  about  the  danger  to  Ms  house. 

This  lot  seems  to  have  been  among  the  lands  of  William  Colbron,  but  we 
fail  to  find  any  note  of  sale  to  Shaller.  Possibly  it  came  to  him  from  his 
wife;  and  he  seems  to  have  mortgaged  it  as  early  as  July  5,  1692  (Deeds, 
Lib.  16,  f.  17),  when  the  house  was  occupied  by  John  Hayward  and  William 
Gibbons.  Feb.  9,  1696-97  (Deeds,  Lib.  14,  f.  421),  he  made  a  marriage- 
settlement,  previous  to  his  marriage  with  Hannah,  widow  of  Nathaniel 
Jewell:  She  outlived  him;  and  his  children,  probably  not  by  her,  were 
Michael  Shaller,  Jr.,  and  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Ebenezer  Lowell,  June  29,  1709 
(Deeds,  Lib.  24,  f.  211).  —Eds. 


208  DIARY   OF   SAilUEL   SEWALL.  [1688. 

with,  very  good  liking,  in  the  place  I  procured  for  her  in 
Mrs.  Baker's  Pue :  several  being  dead  that  us'd  to  sit 
there. 

March  30,  1688.  Obadia  Gill,  John  Atwood  and  Joseph 
Davis  are  by  a  Writt  from  the  Sheriff  imprisoned,  because 
they  paid  not  the  13-  4f  which  each  was  fined,  Feb.  8.,  for 
not  laying  their  Hand  on  the  Bible  :  Judgment  run  thus 
—  refusing  to  take  the  Oath  as  by  Law  is  required.  Though 
they  offer'd  to  take  the  same  Oath,  the  oath  the  others 
did,  that  Ceremony  set  aside.  They  pay  the  Fine  and 
charges  and  Ly  not  in  Prison  one  night.  Mr.  Larkin 
sought  after  Mr.  Mather  this  week  to  Arrest  him.  Mr. 
Mather  on  Tuesday  was  taking  Physick  and  so  was  free, 
and  since  hath  purposely  avoided  him. 

Satterday,  March  31.  I,  Daniel  Maio  and  another  hand 
plant  Six  Chestnut  Trees  at  Hog  Hand. 

Ap.  2,  1688.  Mr.  Robert  Sanderson  rides  with  me  to 
Neponset  and  gives  me  Livery  and  Seisin  of  his  8*1'  of  the 
powder-mill  Stream,  Dwelling-House  and  Land  on  each 
side  the  River,  Mr.  Jn^  Fayerwether,  Desire  Clap,  and 
Walter  Everenden,  witnesses,  having  the  Deed  there  and 
exhibiting  it,  when  he  gave  me  Turf,  Twigg  and  Splinter. 
Mr.  Thacher's  Son,  Tho.,  dies  this  morn.  Lodge  at  Unkle 
Quinsey's  with  Cous.  Dan!  Gookin,  who  has  a  Son  born 
last  Satterday. 

Ap.  3.  See  the  Orchard  Jn*'  Hayford  has  planted,  help 
Mrs.  Flint,  Sir  Shepard  and  Newman  in  dividing  their 
Goods.  Come  home  in  Company  of  Mr.  Blake,  Coroner, 
who  has  been  at  Hingham  to  view  the  body  of  father  Beal, 
a  good  man  of  an  hundred  years  old,  who  was  found  dead 
in  's  yard  the  last  Sabbath.  Note.  Mr.  Fayerwether's 
House  was  near  burning  when  he  and  I  at  Neponset: 
Bells  rung,  and  Town  alarm'd. 

Wednesday,  Apr.  4.  At  night  Sam.  Marion's  wife  hangs 
herself  in  the  Chamber,  fastening  a  Cord  to  the  Rafter- 
Joice.     Two  or  three  swore  she  was  distracted,  and  had 


\ 


1688.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  209 

been  for  some  time,  and  so  she  was  buried  in  the  burying 
place. 

Friday,  Apr.  6.  The  Exposition  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land Catechise  by  the  Bishop  of  Bath  and  Wells  [Ken], 
comes  out  printed  by  Richard  Pierce,  with  the  39.  Articles. 
Foy  and  Wild  are  arriv'd  as  'tis  told  on  Change  today. 
Sailed  Dec.  7*!^  1687. 

Satterday,  Apr.  7*.^  1688.  Capt.  Arthur  Taiiar  sails 
about  10  aclock,  a  shallop  follows  quickly  after,  which 
'tis  said  is  to  prevent  Mr.  Mather's  getting  on  Board  :  'tis 
certain  all  the  Town  is  full  of  discourse  about  Mr.  Mather.^ 
Carie  sails  a  little  after.  Many  Guns  fired  at  Madam  Cra- 
ven's going  off. 

Friday,  March  30.    I  am  told  Mr.  Mather  left  his  House 


^  We  have  already  seen  that  Mather  had  been  in  trouble  with  Randolph. 
His  escape  from  Boston  is  told  by  Cotton  Mather  ("  Remarkables  of  Dr. 
Increase  Mather  ")  in  the  following  glowing  manner:  — 

"  He  waited  on  Sir  Edmund  Andros,  the  governor  and  oppressor  of  New 
England,  and  acquainted  him  that  he  designed  a  voyage  for  London,  He 
also  gave  the  country  notice  of  his  voyage,  in  a  sermon  at  the  Great  Lecture, 
on  Exod.  xxxiii.  15.  .  .  . 

"  Hereupon  Randolph  again,  assisted  by  one  'Pothecary  Bullivant,  a 
memorable  Justice  (and  something  else  !)  privately  sent  an  officer  to  arrest 
him  once  more,  (such  was  the  Equity  of  those  times  !),  upon  the  former  Ac- 
tion of  Defamation.  But  it  fell  out,  that  he  was  just  then  under  the  opera- 
tion of  a  more  wholesome  physic  than  what  that  'pothecary  had  sent  him; 
and  so  the  officer  was  ignorantly  denied  admittance.  The  'pothecary,  as 
ignorantly,  reported  that  Mr.  Mather  was  arrested,  and  the  report  flying  like 
lightning  about  the  solicitous  town,  it  soon  reached  Mr.  Mather's  ears,  who 
then  kept  upon  his  guard." 

"  Mr.  Mather  withdrew  privately  from  his  house  in  a  changed  habit, 
unto  the  house  of  Colonel  Philips  in  Charlestown ;  in  which  withdraw  it  is 
remarkable,  that  a  wicked  fellow  whose  name  was  Thurton,  and  who  was 
placed  as  an  under-sheriff  to  watch  him  and  seize  him  if  he  stirred  abroad, 
—  now  saw  him  and  knew  him,  and  yet  found  himself  struck  with  an  enfee- 
bling terror,  that  he  had  no  power  to  meddle  with  him.  From  thence,  he 
was,  by  certain  well-disposed  young  men  of  his  flock,  transported  unto  TTin- 
nisimet;  and  from  thence  he  went  aboard  a  Ketch,  which  lay  ready  to  assist 
his  voyage.  From  which  he  was  on  Apr.  7,  1688,  gladly  received  aboard  the 
ship  (called  the  President)  on  which  he  had  at  first  shipped  himself:  and  so 
bore  away  for  England."  —  Eds. 

14 


210  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1688. 

and  the  Town  and  went  to  Capt.  Phillips's  at  Charlestown. 
Sabbath,  Ap.  1.  To  Aaron  Way's  by  Hogg-Island,  Tues- 
day, Ap.  3.  At  night  from  Aaron  Way's  to  the  Boat 
near  Mr.  Newgate's  Landing-place,  so  throught  Crooked- 
Lane  and  Pulling  Point  Gut  to  Mr.  Ruck's  fishing-Catch, 
thence  to  the  President,  Capt.  Arthur  Taiiar's  Ship,  as 
above. 

Tuesday,  Apr.  10.  Went  to  Muddy-River  to  show  Mr. 
Gardener  his  Bond  ;  to  Andrew  Gardener,  Simon  Gates, 
George  Bairstow,  Subael  Seavers  :  home.  After  I  came 
home  a  Redcoat  was  buried  with  Arms  in  the  old  burying 
23lace. 

Apr.  13,  1688.  Grafted  a  Stock  next  Jn^  Wait's,  pretty 
high  out  of  the  Cows  reach,  with  cions  from  Mr.  Moodey's 
Orange  Pear,  and  grafted  Two  Apletree  Stocks  with  Mr. 
Gardener's  Russetings ;  the  Cow  having  eaten  last  year's 
Grafts  all  save  one  Twigg.  Mr.  Moodey,  Willard,  Cotton 
Mather,  Capt.  Townsend,  Mr.  Eyre  were  here  last  night. 
It  seems  Mr.  Watter  and  Elisha  Odlin  were  fined  last 
Wednesday,  13.  4:%  apiece,  for  refusing  to  lay  their  hand 
on  the  Bible  in  Swearing. 

Apr.  13,  1688.  Elder  Chipman  visits  me,  and  tells  me 
that  the  Indian  Meetinghouse  at  Sandwich  is  raised. 

Satterday,  Apr.  14.  Mr.  West  comes  to  Mr.  Willard 
from  the  Governour  to  speak  to  him  to  begin  at  8.  in  the 
morn,  and  says  this  shall  be  last  time ;  they  will  build  a 
house.  Soe  begin  about  -|-  hour  past  8.  yet  the  people  come 
pretty  roundly  together.  'Twas  Easter-day,  and  the  Lord's 
Supper  with  us  too. 

Tuesday,  Apr.  17.  First  Training  of  the  Eight  Com- 
panies. I  went  to  Dorchester  Lecture,  and  visited  Mrs. 
Poole. 

April  18.  Went  to  Hog-Island,  set  six  Chesnut  Trees, 
and  took  Livery  and  Seisin  of  Mr.  Maverick's  Marsh. 
This  day  about  Sun-set,  Jack,  alias  Jacob  Negro,  dies  at 
my  Unkle  Quinsey's  by  the  oversetting  of  the  Cart,  he 


I 


1688.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL   SEWALL.  211 

(probably)  sitting  in  it,  the  Eave  *  fell  on 's  neck  and  kill'd 
him.  This  day  an  Order  is  made  that  next  Sabbath-day 
senight  be  a  Thanksgiving  for  the  Queen's  being  with 
Child. 

April  18.  The  news  about  Lima's^  Ruine  comes  abroad. 
Mr.  Cotton  Mather  mentions  it  on  the  19*.^  at  the  Lecture. 
Above  60.000  persons  perished,  and  now  there  is  a  Pool  of 
Water  where  it  stood,  if  the  news  be  true. 

Apr.  19.  Mr.  E""  Hutchinson,  Fayerwether,  Cornish 
and  my  self  goe  to  Braintrey ;  have  much  adoe  to  get  a 
Jury  because  of  the  Training  at  Weymouth,  whether  His 
Excellency  went  by  Water.  As  came  back  we  treat  with 
Mr.  Ryal  about  setting  up  a  Fulling-Mill  at  Neponset. 

April  20.  Joshua  Atwater's  wife  dies.  It  seems  he 
carried  her  out  of  Town  but  last  Monday.  She  was  a 
worthy  Gentlewoman. 

Apr.  22,  1688.  Mr.  Willard  having  rec'd  no  Order 
mentions  not  the  Thanksgiving  :  though  it  seems  one 
was  sent  to  him  at  noon  to  mention  it,  but  left  no  Order 
with  him. 

Apr.  29.  Mr.  Willard  received  an  Order  about  the 
Thanksgiving  on  Satterday  night;  yet  read  it  not  this 
day,  but  after  the  Notes  said  such  an  Occasion  was  by 
the  Governour  recommended  to  be  given  Thanks  for. 
Mr.  Allen  sings  the  6  first  verses  of  the  21.  Ps.  and  the 
first  Part  of  the  72?,  which  gives  offence  to  some  of  his 
Church.^  Mr.  Willard  prays  more  particularly  and  largely 
for  the  King,  but  else  alters  not  his  course  a  jot. 

Monday,  Apr.  30*.^.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather,  my  wife,  Cous. 
Anna  Quinsey  and  Self  ride  to  Dorchester  in  Mr.  Emms 


1  Webster,  who  terms  it  a  New  England  word,  defines  "  rave"  as  "  the 
upper  side-piece  of  timber  of  the  body  of  a  cart."  —  Eds. 

2  See,  in  the  Modern  Universal  History,  XXXIX.  177,  a  short  account  of 
the  earthquake,  in  October,  1687.  —  Eds. 

*  The  offence  seems  to  have  consisted  in  the  gush  of  loyalty  animating 
those  Psalms.  —  Eds. 


212  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1688. 

his  Coach,  to  visit  Mrs.  Pool,  then  goe  to  Mr.  Stougliton's, 
who  sends  a  Basket  of  Aples  to  sick  Mr.  Nelson. 

Wednesday,  May  2.  Went  to  Hog-Island  with  Mr. 
Newgate,  where  by  appointment  we  meet  with  Cousin 
Savage  trying  to  adjust  the  difference  between  them  as 
said  Newgate's  claim  of  Marsh.  Water  the  Chesnut  Trees. 
The  Bristow  man  who  arriv'd  Apr.  29*!"  speaks  of  a  Dispute 
was  to  be  between  the  Roman  CathoHcks  and  Protestants. 

Thorsday,  May  3.  Fast  at  the  old  Church  and  several 
other  Churches  for  Rain.  Great  likelihood  of  Rain  in  the 
morn  and  considerable  Thunder.  Thunder  at  noon  and 
beginning  of  the  night  to  the  Eastward  :  but  no  Rain  to 
speak  of.  Mr.  Willard  began  in  the  Forenoon  with  Prayer. 
Mr.  Phillips  of  Rowly  in  the  Afternoon.  Mr.  Allen  and 
Moodey  preached. 

Friday,  May  4*?  1688.  Last  night  there  was  a  very  re- 
freshing Rain;  this  4^?  May,  a  Print  comes  out  shewing 
the  LawfuUness  of  Swearing  according  to  the  English 
mode,  Laying  the  hand  on  the  Bible.  Taken  out  of 
Mr.  Baxter's  Directory,  printed  by  Richard  Pierce  May 
the  1.  1688 ;  were  publickly  known  May  4.  Sent  Mr. 
Noyes  one  May  7*:^ 

Monday,  May  7.  Mr.  West  removes  to  dwell  in  the 
House  of  Mr.  Hezekiah  Usher  upon  the  Comon.  About 
7.  P.M.  begins  a  plenteous  Rain.     Laus  Deo. 

Tuesday,  May  8.  Discourse  with  Mrs.  Woodman cy  ^  as 
to  her  pretended  Marriage,  which  Mr.  Willard,  Eliot,  Frary 
and  Self  find  to  be  nothing  at  all. 

May  10.  Mr.  Dudley  and  his  Son  call  here.  I  speak 
to  him  about  the  mode  of  swearing,  if  no  remedy  might 
be  had,  of  which  had  no  encouragement,  but  said  Lifting 
up  the  Hand  was  the  handsomest  way. 


1  At  this  time  there  was  living  here  Elizabeth,  widow  of  John  Wood- 
mansey,  who  married  secondly  George  Monck.  Her  son  James  married 
Abigail  Melyen,  who  took  for  a  second  husband  William  Tilley,  and  married 
thirdly  Sewall  himself,  in  1719,  as  his  second  wife.  —  Eds. 


i(J88.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  213 

May  11.  Go  to  Charlestown  Lecture  In  the  even 
Mrs.  Wood  mane  J  comes  to  me  and  says  Mr.  White  and 
she  took  each  other  on  the  2^!  of  June  last,  and  her  child 
last  Monday  was  8.  weeks  old. 

Sabbath,  May  13.  Lord's  Super  at  the  South-Church. 
Near  half  an  hour  after  twelve  by  that  time  I  got  home, 
by  my  Clock  :  and  five  by  that  time  got  home  in  the  af- 
ternoon :  Day  cloudy.  Mrs.  Nowel  here,  sits  in  our  Pue, 
and  dines  with  us.  A  fine  Rain  begins  at  7.  P.M.  Mr. 
Lawson  ^  who  came  to  Town  to  dwell  last  week,  with  us. 

Monday,  May  14*.^  1688.  Put  Sam.  to  Eliezer  Moodey 
to  learn  to  write. 

May  15.  Mr.  Stoughton  calls  here  to  discourse  about 
Mrs.  Avery  who  is  like  to  break.  Mr.  Farwell  went  to 
her  last  Thorsday  by  Col.  Lidget's  appointment  to  demand 
2  or  3  hundred  Pounds  Money,  for  which  her  House  and 
Ground  is  mortgaged. 

Thorsday,  May  17*?  1688.  Capt.  Leach  arrives  from 
London,  brings  news  of  the  10*-  of  March,  or  Later.  Col. 
Dongan  is  to  be  Governour  of  Barbados,  and  New- York 
anexed  to  this  Government.  Fears  of  War  with  Holland. 
Now  is  talk  that  no  Parliament  till  October  next. 

Friday,  May  18,  1688.  Went  to  Hog-Island  with  Capt. 
Eliot  and  Frary.  This  day  Cratey  comes  to  Marblehead, 
brings  a  Packet  for  the  Governour. 

Sabbath,  May  20.  Mr.  Willard  preach'd  in  the  morn 
from  Heb.  12.  4.  Have  not  yet  resisted  unto  bloud,  &c. 
In  the  Afternoon  rain'd  exceeding  hard,  so  that  I  doubt 
many  staid  to  hear  the  Service  [the  Church  Service  which 
followed]  who  had  not  been  wont. 

Monday,  May  21, 1688.  Town-Meeting.  Present,  Capt. 
Wait  Winthrop,  Col.  Sam!  Shrimpton,  Councillors  ;  Major 
Luscomb,  Mr.  E°^  Hutchinson,  Mr.  Jn^  Joyliff,  Mr.  Benj^ 

1  This  was  probably  the  person  called  by  Calamy,  '*  the  unhappy  Mr. 
Deodat  Lawson,"  afterwards  prominent  in  the  sad  experiences  at  Salem  vil- 
lage, where  he  had  been  a  preacher.  — Eds. 


214  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1688, 

BuUivant,  Justices ;  Mr.  BuUivant  said  he  protested  against 

voting  by  Papers,  and  opposed  it  much,  at  last  voted  in 

the  old  way.     Capt.  Tim^  Prout  85  —  Capt.  Turell  74  — 

Mr.  Fayerwether  55  —  Mr.   Wyllys   50.      Cook,  Joyliff, 

Hutchinson,  Frary,  Allin,  left  out.     New  chosen  —  Capt. 

Penn  Townsend  84  —  Capt.  James  Hill  80 — Mr.  Adding- 

ton  44  —  Mr.  Adam  Winthrop  35.     Came  next,  S.  Sewall 

31  —  Peter  Serjeant  29  —  Kob!^  Howard  24.     Of  the  old, 

Capt.  Frary  had  40  — Mr.  Cook  37  — Mr.  Joyliff  33  — 

Deacon  Allen  25.     Mr.  Elisha  Cook  chosen  Commissioner. 

Constables  —  Jos.  Townsend  70.     Jarvis  Ballard  63.     Mi- 

^    chael  Shaller  59.     Abraham  Blush  57.     Jn^  Gooding 

S    56.     Ambrose  Daws  52.     Jon^  Bill  47.     Jn"  Coney 

I    junf  35.      Hugh   Flood   for   Rumney-Marsh.      Came 

Ph    next,      Isaac    Griggs    32.      James   Halsey   27.      Joe 

S    Atwood  26. 

CO  Nota.  Jn^  Coney  and  Isaac  Griggs  at  first  had  32 
each;  so  voted  again,  and  Jn""  Coney  had  35  votes.  No 
Prayer. 

About  Six  aclock  went  with  my  wife,  being  invited,  to 
Mr.  Willard's  to  eat  Salmon,  where  sat  down  with  Gov5 
Bradstreet  and  's  Lady,  Madam  Leverett  and  her  daughter 
Cook,  Mr.  Joyliff  and  's  wife,  Mr.  Willard  and  wife :  came 
away  about  9.  at  night. 

May  23,  Wednesday,  1688.  Went  to  Hog-Island  with 
Brother  Stephen  Sewall,  Brother  Topan  and  Sam.  Shepard : 
Upon  the  Hill  we  agreed  that  Sam.  Topan  should  be  bound 
to  Brother  Stephen  for  fiYe  years  from  September  next,  to 
be  bound  to  Brother  only  during  his  Life.  Brother  Topan 
chose  it  rather  than  that  he  should  be  bound  to  a  Trade 
as  a  Taylor,  or  the  like  ;  Hopes  by  going  to  Sea  or  the 
like  after  his  Time  is  out,  may  get  a  livelihood. 

Thorsday,  May  24*^.  Bell  is  rung  for  a  Meeting  of  the 
Church  of  England  Men,  being  in  their  language  Ascen- 
sion day. 

May  25.     Brother  and  Sister  Topan  goe  home  to-day, 


1688.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  215 

came  22?  This  day  Mrs.  Elisa.  Greenough,  Elder  Rains- 
ford's  daughter,  is  buried;  a  very  desirable  woman  of 
about  40  years  old. 

May  25^.^  1688.  Col.  Peter  Bulkley  of  Concord  dies, 
having  languished  for  a  long  time.  Died  this  Friday 
about  eleven  aclock. 

Sabbath,  May  27*.^  Councillor  and  Judge  Bulkly  bur- 
ied, because  could  not  be  kept :  word  of  which  was  sent 
to  Boston  on  the  same  day  to  prevent  persons  going  in 
vain  on  Monday  to  the  Funeral. 

Monday,  May  28.  News  comes  of  his  Excellency  lying 
at  Newbury  last  night,  so  sundry  Gentlemen  ride  out  to 
meet  Him  coming  home  this  day. 

Tuesday,  May  29.  About  5.  mane,  all  the  8.  Companies 
are  warn'd  by  Beat  of  Drum  to  be  in  Arms  at  the  2?  Beat 
of  the  Drum.  Mr.  Joseph  Eliot  preaches  at  Roxbury, 
w^here  I  goe.  There,  Mr.  Stoughton  and  Capt.  Black  well, 
Capt.  Prentice,  Townsend,  Hill,  &c.  besides  several  Min- 
isters. 

Wednesday,  May  30.  Eliakim  sets  forth  with  his  Brother 
Williams  for  Coiiecticut.  Mr.  Joseph  Eliot  here,  says  the 
two  days  wherein  he-  buried  his  Wife  and  Son,  were  the 
best  that  ever  he  had  in  the  world.^ 

Friday,  June  1,  1688.  Went  to  Watertown  Lecture  in 
Company  of  Mr.  Moodey  and  Capt.  Townsend.  Text 
1.  Cor.  11.  31.  If  we  would  judge,  &c.  Mr.  Dudley, 
Blackwell,  Mr.  Danforth,  Councillor  Usher,  Mr.  Russel 
Graves,  and  many  more  there.  Madam  Phipps  for  one, 
who  was  ready  to  faint  at  word  was  brought  in  by  the 
Coach-man  of  Sir  William's  being  spoke  with  at  Sea.  By 
that  time  we  got  home,  we  heard  that  Sir  William  came 
in  his  Pinace  from  Portsmouth  this  day.  Many  of  the 
Town  gone  to  complement  Him. 


^  The  kindest  construction  should  be  put  on  this  remark  of.  the  bereared 
husband  and  father.  —  Eds. 


216  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1688 

Satterday,  June  2,  1688.  I  sought  God  in  behalf  of  my 
wife  and  family  and  of  the  Country. 

Sabbath,  June  3.  Neither  Mr.  Bradstreet,  nor  Mr.  Raw- 
son  at  Meeting,  both  the  places  empty.  Mr.  Bradstreet 
taken  very  ill  last  Satterday  night.  Sir  William  not 
abroad  in  the  forenoon,  in  the  Afternoon  hears  Mr.  Mather; 
so  the  Whitsuntiders  have  not  his  company. 

Monday,  about  3.  mane,  June  4.  My  wife  is  taken  very 
ill  with  pains  like  travailing  pains,  of  which  afterward  has 
an  abatement.     Laus  Deo, 

Tuesday,  June  5^!^  Mr.  Nath!  Newgate  marries  Mr. 
Lynds  Daughter  before  Mr.  Ratcliff,  with  Church  of  Eng- 
land Ceremonies.  Mr.  Payson  and  Mr.  Farwell  his  Bride- 
men,  a  great  wedding. 

Wednesday  or  Thorsday  Mr.  Graham  comes  to  Town 
with  his  wife  and  family ;  dwells  in  Mr.  Jn*"  Howard's 
brick  House. 

Thorsday,  June  7*^-  Mr.  Dudley  and  Stoughton  call 
here.  In  comes  Mr.  West  and  hath  one  Mr.  Newton,  a 
newcomer,  sworn  an  Attorney.  Mr.  Dudley  ask'd  for  a 
Bible,  I  ask'd  if  it  might  not  better  be  done  without. 
He  laugh'd  and  seeing  a  Bible  by  accident,  rose  up  and 
took  it. 

Friday,  June  8.  Sir  William  at  Charlestown  Lecture. 
In  the  Even  Capt.  Hill  and  I  discourse  with  Roger  Judd 
and  Mrs.  Willy. 

Satterday,  June  9.  Mr.  Sheaf  is  set  upon  on  the  Comon 
in  the  night  by  Hamilton  and  two  more,  sorely  wounded 
and  Robb'd. 

Sabbath,  June  10.  Sacrament  with  us,  finish  so  that  I 
got  home  just  about  a  quarter  past  12.  by  the  Dial.  Gov- 
ernour  angry  that  had  done  so  late,  and  caused  their  Bell 
to  be  rung  about  a  quarter  past  one  ;  'twas  rather  more 
before  the  Bell  had  done  :  So  'twas  about  a  quarter  past 
Three  before  our  Afternoon  Bell  Rung  about  1^  hour  later 
than  usual. 


1688.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  217 

Monday,  June  11.  About  3.  this  Morn  Major  Luscomb 
dies  of  a  Fever.  He  was  abroad,  I  am  told,  on  the  3"^  of 
June  morning  and  evening  and  Receiv'd  the  Lord's  Supper. 

June  12.  In  the  Afternoon  I  wait  on  Sir  William 
Phipps. 

June  13.  Brother  and  Sister  Moodey  visit  us.  Goodw. 
Moss  of  Newbury  dead  and  buried. 

June  15,  1688.  Major  Humphrey  Luscomb  buried  be- 
tween 7.  and  8.  P.M.  Six  Companies  attended,  viz :  all 
except  Col.  and  Lt.  Col.  After  the  Vollyes  several  great 
Guns  fired.  None  of  our  family  were  invited.  A  consid- 
erable deal  of  Thunder  and  Lightening  with  Rain  this 
day.     About  the  Funeral  time  pretty  dry. 

Tuesday,  June  19.  Went  to  the  Funeral  of  Mr.  Brock 
of  Reding,  a  worthy  good  Minister,  generally  lamented. 
Was  very  Liiborious  in  catechizing  and  instructing  Youth. 
Mr.  Danforth,  Mr.  Russel  there,  Mr.  Morton,  Wigglesworth, 
Fisk,  Fox,  Shepard,  Lorie,  Pierpont,  Lawson,  Carter  &c. ; 
buried  between  2.  and  3.  Dined  at  Cousin  Savage's.  Got 
home  about  nine  aclock. 

June  22.  I  goe  to  Hogg-Island  with  Mr.  Newgate  to 
see  if  could  agree  about  his  Marsh :  Father  Griggs  and 
Sam^  Townsend  there.  When  came  back,  went  and  bid 
Sir  William  welcome  to  Town,  who  landed  an  hour  or  so 
before  me,  being  come  with  his  Frigot  from  Portsmouth. 
This  day  Mrs.  Joyliff  and  Mrs.  Grecian  goe  to  his  Excel- 
lency, and  expostulat  with  Him  about  his  Design  of  meet- 
ing first  on  Sabbath-days  in  our  Meetinghouse. 

Satterday,  June  23.  Capt.  Frary  and  I  goe  to  his  Ex- 
cellency at  the  Secretaries  Office,  and  there  desired  that 
He  would  not  alter  his  time  of  Meeting,  and  that  Mr.  Wil- 
lard  consented  to  no  such  thing,  neither  did  he  count  that 
'twas  in  his  power  so  to  doe.  Mr.  West  said  he  went  not 
to  ask  Mr.  Willard  Leave.  His  Excellency  asked  who  the 
House  belong'd  to ;  we  told  Him  the  Title  to  the  House 
was  on  Record.     His  Excellency  turned  to  Mr.  Graham 


218  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1688. 

and  said,  Mr.  Attorney  we  will  have  that  look'd  into. 
Governour  said  if  Mr.  Willard  not  the  Parson,  so  great 
an  Assembly  must  be  considered.  We  said  He  was  Mas- 
ter of  the  Assembly,  but  had  no  power  to  dispose  of  the 
House,  neither  had  others,  for  the  Deed  expressed  the  Use 
'twas  to  be  put  to.  Governour  complain'd  of  our  long  stay- 
ing Sabbath-day  senight;  said  'twas  the  Lord's  Supper, 
and  [he]  had  promised  to  go  to  some  other  House  on  such 
dayes ;  Mr.  Randolph  said  he  knew  of  no  such  promise,  and 
the  Governour  seemed  angry,  and  said  He  would  not  so 
break  his  word  for  all  the  Massachusetts  Colony,  and  there- 
fore, to  avoid  mistakes,  must  give  in  writing  what  we  had 
to  say ;  we  answered,  Mr.  Randolph  brought  not  any  writ- 
ing to  those  he  spake  to.  Governour  said  we  rent  off  from 
the  old  Church  against  the  Government,  and  the  Land  the 
House  stood  on  was  bought  clandestinely,  and  that  one 
should  say  he  would  defend  the  work  with  his  Company 
of  Soldiers.  Mention'd  folks  backwardness  to  give,  and 
the  unreasonableness  ;  because  if  any  stinking  filthy  thing 
were  in  the  House  we  would  give  something  to  have  it 
carried  out,  but  would  not  give  to  build  them  an  house  : 
Said  came  from  England  to  avoid  such  and  such  things, 
therefore  could  not  give  to  set  them  up  here  :  and  the 
Bishops  would  have  thought  strange  to  have  been  ask'd  to 
contribute  towards  setting  up  the  New-England  Churches. 
Governour  said  God  willing  they  would  begin  at  Eight  in 
the  Morning,  and  have  done  by  Nine :  we  said  'twould 
hardly  be  so  in  the  winter.  Mr.  Graham  said  if  they  had 
their  Service  by  Candle-Light  what  was  that  to  any  :  And 
that  the  Service  appointed  by  the  Church  for  morning 
could  not  be  held  after  Noon.^ 

Sabbath,  June  24.     We  read  and  sing  in  course  the 


1  This  must  have  been  a  very  exciting  interview,  with  much  frank  and 
strong  speech,  especially  when  Andros  or  Randolph  quoted  the  threat  of  some 
outraged  proprietor  of  the  South  Meeting-house  to  use  force  in  keeping  it.  — 
Eds. 


1688.]  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  219 

57^^  Psal.  Altaschith.  They  [the  Church  of  England 
congregation]  have  done  before  nine  in  the  morn,  and 
about  a  quarter  after  one  in  the  afternoon ;  so  we  have 
very  convenient  time. 

July  1.  Governour  takes  his  old  time  again  after  our 
coming  out,  and  Sir  William  Phips's  Chaplain  ^  preaches. 
We  were  a  little  hurried  and  disappointed  in  the  morning, 
the  Bell  ringing  about  quarter  before  nine. 

Monday,  July  2.  Mr.  Joseph  Bridgham  goes  to  New- 
bury. 

Thorsday,  July  5*^.  Tells  me  of  his  being  there  with 
his  Son,  but  referrs  me  to  another  time  for  a  full  account. 
This  day  Foy  arrives,  brings  a  Comission  for  Capt.  Nicol- 
son  to  be  Lieut.  Governour  :  New- York  to  be  aiiexed  to 
this  Government.  Mr.  Randolph,  a  new  Comission  to  be 
Secretary  of  the  whole  Dominion. 

Wednesday,  July  4.  Comencement  managed  wholly  by 
Mr.  W^  Hubbard  ;  ^  compared  Sir  William,  in  his  Oration, 
to  Jason  fetching  the  Golden  Fleece.  Masters  proceeded, 
no  Bachelours.  Several  French  came  over  in  Foy,  some, 
Men  of  Estates. 

Friday,  July  6.  'Tis  said  Sir  William  is  this  day  sworn 
to  officiat  according  to  his  Comission  [of  High  Sheriff]. 

Sabbath,  July  8.  Wants  above  5  Minutes  of  12.  when 
I  get  home. 

Thorsday,  July  12.  Mr.  Jn"^  Hubbard  tells  me  there  is 
a  Writt  out  against  me  for  Hog-Island,  and  against  several 
other  persons  for  Land,  as  being  violent  intruders  into  the 
Kings  Possession.  George  Keith  [a  Quaker]  doth  this 
day  send  a  Challenge  to  the  4  Ministers  of  Boston,  in  an 
open  letter  by  Edward  Shipen,  to  dispute  with  them  about 


1  We  are  unable  to  explain  this  allusion.  As  Phips  did  not  join  Mather's 
church  until  March  23,  1690,  when  he  was  also  baptized,  it  is  possible  that 
he  passed  as  an  Episcopalian  in  England.  Or  the  "  chaplain  "  may  have 
officiated  as  such  in  the  vessel  which  brought  Phips  over.  —  Eds. 

2  President  Mather  being  on  his  voyage  to  England.  —  Eds. 


220  DIAKY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1688. 

the  false  Doctrine  they  delivered.  Wild  arrives,  9  weeks 
from  the  Downs ;  Mr.  Bromfield  comes  in  him. 

Satterday,  July  14^.^  Jeremiah  Belcher  comes  and  brings 
me  the  Information  Mr.  Sherlock  left  with  him  on  Thors- 
day  last  in  the  Afternoon,  when  he  served  on  him  a  Writt 
of  Intrusion.  I  try'd  to  goe  to  the  Island  yesterday  but 
could  not,  wind  and  Tide  being  against  me,  and  one  Oar 
broke.  Went  from  Winisimmet  to  the  Point,  but  none 
fetch'd  me  over.  Wind  is  out  [from  the  east],  and  so  Sir 
William  comes  up  and  Capt.  Belcher. 

Satterday,  July  14.  Writt  to  Mr.  Wharton,  Mr.  Mather, 
Capt.  Hutchinson,  inclosing  the  state  of  my  case  and  crav- 
ing their  help  to  give  Check ;  sent  the  Letters  under  co- 
vert to  Cousin  Hull,  ordering  him  to  pay  them  Fifty 
pounds  if  they  call'd  for  it. 

Monday,  July  16.  Sir  William's  Frigot,  and  the  Swan 
set  sail. 

July  17.  I  discourse  Mr.  Stoughton,  with  whom  I  find 
Mr.  Moodey  and  Mr.  Kussell.  After  Catechising  I  and 
my  wife  visit  Mrs.  Man's. 

Thorsday,  July  19^.^  Eight  Companies  in  Arms,  and 
Sir  Edmund's  Coinission  is  published,  extending  his  Au- 
thority from  the  remotest  eastern  parts  so  as  to  take  in 
East  and  West  Jersey. 

To  Sir  Edmund  Andros  Knight,  Capt.  General  and  Governour  in 
Chief  of  His  Majesties  Territory  and  Dominion  of  New-England 
in  America,  the  humble  Petition  of  Samuel  Sewall  of  Boston, 
Sheweth. 

That  whereas  your  Petitioner  stands  seized  and  possessed  of  a 
certain  Island  or  Islands,  coinonly  called  and  known  by  the  name  of 
Hogg-Island,  lying  scituat  near  Boston  aforesaid,  in  the  present  tenure 
and  occupation  of  one  Jer.  Belcher,  having  been  peacably  and  quietly 
possessed  by  your  Petitioner  and  his  Predecessors  for  the  space  of 
fourty  years  or  upwards  by  past :  And  whereas  the  said  Belcher  hath 
been  lately  served  with  a  Writt  of  Intrusion  at  His  Majesties  Suit, 
And  your  Petitioner  not  behig  willing  to  stand  Suit,  but  being  desir- 
ous of  His  Majesties  Confirmation  for  the  said  Island  or  Islands ; 


1688.]  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  221 

He  therefore  humbly  prays  your  Excellencies  favour  that  he  may 
obtain  His  Majesties  Grant  and  Confirmation  of  the  said  Hogg-Island, 
with  the  members  and  Apurtenances  thereof,  unto  your  Petitioner 
his  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever  under  the  Seal  of  this  His  Majesties 
Territory.  To  be  holden  of  His  Majesty,  His  Heirs  and  Successors, 
upon  such  moderat  Quit-Rent  as  your  Excellency  shall  please  to 
order. 

And  your  Petitioner  shall  ever  pray. 

Sam  Sewall. 

Presented  the  above  written  Petition  to  the  Governour 
with  my  own  hand  July  24^.^  1688. 

July  26*"  'Twas  read  in  the  Council,  and  an  order 
made  upon  it  for  a  Survey. 

Sabbath,  July  22"^.  Read  the  Sixty  first  Psalm  in  course : 
July  29*^  the  62.     Truly  my  waiting  Soul,  &c. 

Monday,  July  30*-.  With  many  others  I  went  to  Ded- 
ham  to  accompany  his  Excellency  in  his  way  to  New- York 
and  Jersy :  who  goes  to  take  the  Government  of  those 
places. 

July  31.  Writt  to  Mr.  Wharton  inclos'd  to  Cous.  Hull, 
to  do  what  he  could  to  settle  Proprieties.  Towards  which 
if  it  might  be  done,  was  willing  to  give  50  or  a  hundred 
pounds.  Writt  by  a  small  Bark  of  which  one  Mr.  Baily 
Master.    If  Mr.  Wharton  not  there,  give  it  to  Mr.  Mather. 

Augt.  3.  Went  to  Neponset  with  Capt.  Fayerwether 
and  Mr.  Wyllys  to  see  the  FuUing-Mill  lately  set  up,  and 
to  direct  for  the  right  fitting  and  ordering  of  it.  Placed 
a  Stone  in  the  Column  of  Sir  Williams  House  next  to  Mr. 
Nowells.' 


1  Sir  William  Phips's  house  was  at  the  westerly  corner  of  Salem  and  Char- 
ter Streets.  Drake,  S.  A.,  says  (Landmarks,  219)  that  the  house  was  of 
brick,  and  had  a  third  story  added  during  the  present  century:  also  that 
it  was  used  in  1830  as  an  asylnm  for  indigent  boys.  Cotton  Mather  in- 
forms us,  in  his  "Life  of  Phips,"  that  the  future  governor  "would  fre- 
quently tell  the  gentlewoman  his  w^ife  .  .  .  that  he  should  be  owner  of  a  fair 
brick  house  in  the  Green  lane  of  North  Boston,"  and  that  the  prediction  was 
fulfilled.  Years  afterwards,  Robert  Calef ,  with  gentle  raillery,  wrote  that 
"such  predictions  would  have  been  counted  at  Salem  pregnant  proofs  of 


222  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1688. 

Monday,  Augt.  6,  1688.  Mr.  James  Sherman  Married 
Richard  Fifield  and  Mary  Thirston :  Mehetabel  Thirston, 
Giles  Fifield  and  Elisa  his  wife,  Elisa  Lane  and  my  Self  at 
the  Wedding  in  our  Bed-Chamber,  about  9.  at  night,  being 
disapointed  by  Mr.  Willard's  being  out  of  Town,  and  de- 
sired Privacy  all  that  might  be. 

Thorsday,  Augt.  9*.^  Mr.  Moodey,  Willard,  Mather, 
Capt.  Townsend  here,  Mr.  Thacher  was  here  before.  This 
day  I  goe  for  Mrs.  Weeden,  my  wife  having  been  ill  a 
week  or  more,  and  now  ready  to  conclude  her  time  to 
Travail  w^as  come.  Midwife  staid  and  went  to  Bed  here ; 
in  the  night  was  call'd  away  by  another  woman  about  2. 
mane.  It  seems  the  Monday  the  Governour  went  hence 
towards  New- York,  Five  Indians  were  killed  at  Spectacle 
Pond  not  far  from  Springfield,  four  taken  Captive,  two 
escaped.  They  that  did  the  Murder  are  some  of  our  late 
Enemies  who  have  since  lived  under  the  protection  of  the 
French. 

Tuesday,  Augt.  7.  Capt.  Nicholson,  Lieut.  Governour, 
returns  to  Town  from  New-London,  as  is  said  upon  this 
report  of  the  Indians  slain  ;  where  intended  to  have  gone 
to  New- York  and  resided  there. 

Satterday,  Augt.  11.  Jn''  Marion  buries  a  Son  of  about 
11  Moneths  old.  Sam.  Clark  and  Eliakim  Mather,  Bear- 
ers and  had  Gloves. 

Sabbath,  Augt.  12.     My  wife  stayes  at  home  as  last 

witchcraft,  and  much  better  than  what  were  against  several  that  suffered 
there." 

Besides  the  house  and  lands  already  mentioned  in  our  note  on  p.  193  as 
bought  by  Phips,  he  bought  several  other  parcels  adjacent. 

William  Sumner,  William  Harris,  Thomas  Willis,  and  Francis  Whitmore, 
Jr.,  seem  to  have  sold  various  lots  to  the  governor,  to  enlarge  his  gardens  and 
grounds  (see  Deeds,  Lib.  16,  ff.  Ill,  242).  He  also  bought  of  John  Brook- 
ing's  widow  Elizabeth,  then  wife  of  William  Green,  of  Maiden,  a  house 
called  "  The  Salutation,"  fronting  on  the  street  leading  to  Charlestown  Ferry 
(Deeds,  Lib.  15,  f.  210),  Oct.  27,  1692. 

Many  other  deeds  and  mortgages  attest  the  fact  that  Phips's  large  fortune 
was  used  for  the  benefit  of  the  inhabitants  of  Boston.  —  Eds. 


1688.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  223 

Sabbath,  but  that  Mother  goes  to  Meeting  and  the  Chil- 
dren only  bear  their  Mother  Company  :  who  hath  much 
pain,  yet  holds  up  still. 

Augt.  14,  1688.  About  ^  hour  past  Nine  at  Night  Ste- 
phen Greenleaf  comes  in  and  brings  my  Mother  Sewall ; 
they  set  sail  from  Newbury  about  10.  in  the  morning,  had 
a  brisk  Norwest  Gale,  turn'd  up  from  Dear-Island  and  lay 
aground  a  pretty  while  before  they  could  fleet  in.  Cous. 
Greenleaf  sups  with  Mother.  I  give  him  the  Catechise, 
Day  of  Doom,^  &c.  bound  together  in  a  good  Cover,  in 
part  for  Mother's  passage. 

Wednesday,  Augt.  15*^.  About  4.  mane,  I  rise  to  make 
a  fire,  and  to  call  the  Midwife,  Charlestowns  Bell  rung  for 
5.  as  came  away  from  Mrs.  Weeden's  House.  Very  cool 
day.  My  Wife  is  brought  to  Bed  of  a  Son  between  8.  9. 
while  the  Service-Bell  was  ringing.  Cous.  Anne  Quinsey 
first  tells  me  of  it. 

Thorsday,  16*^  Put  up  a  Bill  for  Thanksgiving.  About 
9.  in  the  night  news  comes  from  Salem,  by  a  Vessel  from 
Holland,  that  the  Queen  was  deliver'd  of  a  Prince,  June 
10*^  So  from  11.  to  1.  or  2.  is  Drumming,  Bonfire,  Huzas, 
small  and  great  Guns,  Ringing  of  Bells,  at  which  many 
startled  for  fear  of  fire  or  an  Alarm  ;  because  the  thing 
was  so  sudden.  People  knew  not  the  occasion.  Brother 
Needham  was  called  out  of  's  Bed  to  deliver  the  Keys, 
which  at  first  he  refus'd,  they  not  telling  him  the  occa- 
sion [for  a  Church  service]. 

Sabbath,  Augt.  19*^  1688.  Town  is  full  of  the  news  of 
5.  English  persons  killed  at  Northfield ;  So  the  Councillors 
sent  for  ;  and  by  that  means  Mr.  Stoughton  at  our  House 
in  the  afternoon  to  hear  Mr.  Willard,  who  after  Sermon, 
baptized  my  young  Son,  whom  I  named  Joseph,^  in  hopes 

1  The  then  popular  and  admired  poem,  by  the  Rev.  Michael  Wigglesworth, 
of  Maiden.  —  Eds. 

2  This  was  afterwards  the  Rev.  Dr.  Joseph  Sewall,  ordained  Sept  16, 
1713,  colleague  with  Dr.  Pemberton  over  the  South  Church.  — Eds. 


224  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1688. 

of  the  accomplishment  of  the  Prophecy,  Ezek.  37*.^  and 
such  like  :  and  not  out  of  respect  to  any  Relation,  or  other 
person,  except  the  first  Joseph.  The  Lieut.  Governour 
goes  this  day  to  Woburn  to  secure  some  Indians  there, 
now  busied  in  gathering  Hops.  It  seems  were  met  to- 
gether and  praying  when  secured,  or  just  before. 

Augt.  20*.^  Went  to  Capt.  Marshall's  and  discoursed 
with  Brother  Stephen  about  Sister  Dorothy. 

Thorsday,  Augt.  23.  Fast  at  the  old  Church,  respect- 
ing the  Indians,  at  which  was  my  dear  Mother  Sewall,  set 
in  Mrs.  Baker's  Pue,  went  not  out  at  Noon  because  of 
the  Rain.  Mr.  Willard  begun  with  Prayer  in  the  morn. 
Mr.  Mather  in  the  Afternoon ;  Mr.  Allen  and  Moodey 
preached. 

Friday,  Augt.  24.  I  carried  my  Mother  over  Wiiiisimet 
Ferry  to  Salem,  there  met  with  Mr.  Noyes.  Left  my  Horse 
at  Salem  and  came  home  in  Mr.  Grafton's  Sloop  the  Lark. 
Loosed  from  the  Wharf  at  Winter-Island  about  4.  P.M. 
and  got  into  my  own  House  at  Boston  about  11.  at  night. 
Wind  was  East  if  not  somewhat  Southerly,  so,  very  bare 
till  we  got  past  Marblehead  Neck.  Had  Moon-shine.  The 
Widow  Bordman,  and  Mr.  Kitchin's  daughter  by  Mary 
Bordman,  came  Passengers,  Landed  at  Scarlet's  Wharf. 
Got  to  Salem  about  noon.  Left  my  Horse  for  Mother  to 
goe  to  Newbury. 

Wednesday,  Augt.  29.  Mr.  Torrey  comes  to  our  House, 
Mr.  Sherman  there  at  the  same  time,  who  hath  bespoke  a 
passage  for  England  in  Mr.  Gillam.  When  he  was  gon 
Mr.  Torrey  and  I  had  pretty  much  Discourse  together 
about  England  and  going  thether.  I  had  been  wishing 
to  speak  with  him. 

Augt.  31,  1688.  Mr.  Kitchin  and  my  Brother  come  to 
see  me,  and  Inform  me  that  the  French  King  died  July 
4^.!".^     News  came  to  Salem  from  Newfound  Land. 

^  Louis  XIV.     He  did  not  die,  however,  till  Sept.  1,  1715.  — Eds. 


I 


1688.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  225 

Thorsday,  Sept.  6t^  The  Duke  of  Albemarrs  Yott  ar- 
rives, fires  in  Lecture  time.  In  the  even  Mr.  Cotton  Mather 
comes  and  prajes  with  my  Httle  sick  Joseph. 

Sept.  7^.^  Visit  sick  Tho.  Gardener,  the  son,  bespeak  3 
Barrels  of  Aples  of  the  Father  and  Andrew ;  goe  to  Simon 
Gates's,  from  thence  to  Cambridge  to  see  my  little  cousin 
Margaret ;  visit  Mr.  Brattle,  and  then  Mr.  Leverett,  Fel- 
lows of  the  Colledge.  Come  home  and  find  my  own  Child 
somwhat  better  as  is  hop'd. 

Sept.  10,  1688.  There  is  a  press  in  Boston,  of  32  Men, 
four  out  of  a  Company,  to  goe  to  the  Eastward,  by  reason 
of  the  fears  and  dispersions  people  there  are  under.  It 
seems  10.  or  11  English  persons  are  taken  away  as  hos- 
tages till  those  Indians  sent  to  Boston,  be  return'd.  Rich- 
ard Cornish  and  his  wife  come  to  me  about  their  Money  in 
England . 

Tuesday,  Sept.  11^.^.  Two  and  thirty  Men  are  press'd  in 
Boston,  and  6  from  Charlestown  and  sent  away  to  the 
Eastward,  and  a  Post  dispatcht  to  acquaint  the  Governour 
at  Albany. 

Sept.  12*i^  Rid  to  Cambridge  Lecture,  being  rainy  in 
the  afternoon.  Madam  Paige  invited  me,  and  I  came  home 
in  her  Coach,  with  Mr.  Willard  and  his  wdfe,  and  Mrs. 
Paige's  Boy  rid  my  Horse. 

Sept.  11*.^  I  discours'd  largely  with  my  Wife,  and  12*1' 
mane  with  my  Mother,  Betty  being  gone  on  foot  to  Cam- 
bridge Lecture. 

Thorsday,  Sept.  13*.^  Major  Saltonstall  comes  to  visit 
me,  saith  his  Daughter  married  about  2  moneths  agoe  to 
Mr.  Denison ;  is  equal  sharer  with  Mr.  Hubbard  in  the 
Work  of  the  Ministry.  Mr.  Gourdin  [Saltonstall]  like  to 
settle  at  New-London ;  two  youngest  Sons  at  Ipswich 
School  where  Mr.  Rogers's  Son  teaches. 

Sept.  15,  1688.  Corrected  Sam.  for  breach  of  the  9"' 
Commandment,  saying  he  had  been  at  the  Writing  School, 
when  he  had  not. 

15 


226  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1688. 

Satterday,  Sept.  15.  at  night  one  who  came  over  a 
Souldier,  and  was  diverted  to  a  Taner,  being  himself  of 
that  Trade,  hangs  himself. 

Sabbath,  Sept.  16*^  Mr.  Willard  preaches  from  Heb. 
12.  11.  afternoon  from  Eccles.  7.  291^  I  was  too  late  in 
the  Afternoon ;  Mr.  Willard  prayd  for  His  Majesty  morn 
and  even,  and  said,  whereas  prayers  and  giving  of  Thanks 
commanded,  they  did  so,  and  prayd  that  might  be  a  Bless- 
ing. 126.  Ps.  sung  morn.  Afternoon,  19"'  from  9*1'  v.  to 
the  end.  Even,  84*.^  from  9*?.'  to  the  end.  Had  done  before 
Eleven  by  my  Clock  ;  the  afternoon,  quarter  before  four. 
About  one,  many  great  Guns  fired  just  as  first  Bells  for 
afternoon  rung ;  vollies  of  small  shot  I  think  first.  At 
night  a  Bonfire  with  the  usual  Huzzas  between  7.  and  8. 
Very  cloudy  and  dark  day.  I  want  of  Caryl  [on  the  Book 
of  Job]  the  30*.^  31,  32,  33,  and  34^.1'  Chapters. 

Sept.  17*.^  I  speak  to  Mr.  Gillam  for  a  passage  in  his 
Ship.  This  day  Capt.  Frary  sees  a  Souldier  with  an  In- 
dian Squaw  in  the  Com  and  open  Sun. 

Tuesday,  Sept.  18.  Several  persons  are  Listed  of  the 
Governours  Life-Guard.  Mr.  Maccartas  Son,  of  about  10 
years  old,  who  was  at  School  on  Friday,  was  now  buried 
Sept.  18,  taken  with  a  vehement  Fever  and  Delirium  at 
once.  About  noon  Capt.  Gillam  falls  down,  fires  Seven 
Guns,  and  the  Fort  answer  with  five.  Capt.  Townsend, 
Gilbert  Cole  and  I  look  on. 

Sept.  19*.^  The  rain  hinders  my  going  to  Salem,  and  so 
to  Newbury.  Eldridge  comes  in,  who  sais  the  Amsterdam 
Gazett  reported  that  Mr.  Mather's  Petition  is  granted,  said 
Eldridge  sais  that  one  Ales  was  come  out  of  the  Downs, 
who  brings  Mr.  Palmer  of  New- York,  Chief  Judge  of  the 
Teritory  of  New  England. 

Sept.  20.  Mr.  Lee  preaches  from  Ezek.  47.  11.  Shew'd 
that  Edom  was  on  the  South  side  of  Asphaltites,  and  prob- 
ably they  would  not  be  converted.  Jews  understood  it  of 
Italy,  called  that  Edom.     This  a  Prophesy  of  the  great 


1688.]  DIAKY    OF    SAMUEL    SEW  ALL.  227 

abundant  enlargement  of  the  Church  not  yet  accompHshed, 
'twas  now  hastening  ;  but  then  also,  some  wicked  hardened 
Wretches.  Had  not  heard  of  an  Edomite  converted; 
though  that  of  the  10*.^  Generation  implied  there  might 
be  such  a  thing.  Mr.  Mather's  last  Sermon  was  on  the 
same  Text.  Pray'd  for  Bristow  before  and  after  Ser- 
mon. 

Sept.  21,  1688.  The  Letters  of  Ayles  come  to  hand,  in 
whom  comes  Judge  Palmer,  about  8  weeks  from  the  Downs. 
Alba  Eegalis  [Stuhl  Weissenburg,  in  Hungary]  surren- 
dered :  Belgrade  besiegd.  This  day  I  ride  to  Newbury 
with  Mr.  Lorie  and  Penhallow,  to  visit  my  friends,  and  ask 
them  about  my  going  for  England ;  met  with  my  fellow- 
Travailers  at  Mr.  Moodey's  by  accident  the  night  before. 
Brother  Stephen  there  with  whom  I  Lodge.  Visit  Mr. 
Woodbridge  and  Mrs.  Noyes. 

Monday,  Sept.  24^.^  Come  to  Brother  Moodey's  and 
dine  with  him,  his  wife,  Mother  and  James  Noyes ;  then 
Brother  brings  me  going  to  Rowley-Mill ;  I  call  at  Mr. 
Payson's ;  drive  a  Nail  in  Mr.  Gerrishes  Meetinghouse, 
gave  2^     Visit  Mr.  Higginson, 

Sept.  25*.^  Visit  Mr.  Nath!  Mather,  sick  at  Salem  at  Mr. 
Swiiierton's.  Come  home  in  Company  Major  Gedny  and 
Brown,  a  very  fair  wind  over,  went  in  and  drunk  at 
Brookins,^  came  home  and  found  all  well,  blessed  be 
God. 

A  Press  in  Boston  of  16  men  to  send  Eastward  ;  several 
being  kiil'd  by  the  Indians,  which  news  was  at  Newbury 
on  Monday  morn. 

Thorsday,  Sept.  27.  Capt.  Goodenough  makes  an  Alarm 
at  Sudbury  in  the  night,  which  is  taken  at  Concord,  Mal- 
borough,  Sherborn,  as  am  told. 

Sept.  28.   I  go  to  Charlestown-Lecture,  Mr.  Lee  preaches 


1  Brookin,  the  Tavemer,  married  Mary,  daughter  of  Thomas  Walford, 
the  first  English  inhabitant  of  Charlestown.  —  Eds. 


228  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1688. 

from  Mat.  25.  6.  After  Lecture  din  d  at  Mr.  Russell's. 
Then  went  on  Board  the  Duke's  Yott  with  Major  Rich- 
ards, Capt.  Phillips,  Mr.  Cotton  Mather,  Madam  Phips, 
Richards,  Shrimpton,  Kelland ;  Had  Sturgeon, Wine,  Puncli, 
Musick. 

Satterday,  Sept.  29*^  Lydia  Moodey  comes  hether  to 
dwell,  helping  my  wife  to  nurse  the  Child  Joseph. 

Monday,  Oct.  1.  A  Whiping  Post  is  set  up  by  the  mid- 
dle Watcli-house.     Brother  Stephen  visits  us. 

Tuesday,  Oct.  2.  I  goe  with  Mr.  Newgate  in  the  rain 
to  Hogg-Island,  having  a  canvas  Tilt  [awning,  or  canopy], 
and  take  Livery  and  Seisin  of  his  Marsh,  Joseph  Sowle, 
Ambrose  Honywell,  John  Sweeting  and  Elisabeth  Warren 
being  witnesses ;  only  the  first  could  write  his  name. 

Wednesday,  Oct.  3^  Have  a  day  of  Prayer  at  our  House  : 
One  principal  reason  as  to  particular,  about  my  going  for 
England.  Mr.  Willard  pray'd  and  preach'd  excellently 
from  Ps.  143.  10 : ,  pray'd.  Intermission.  Mr.  Allen 
pray'd,  then  Mr.  Moodey,  both  very  well,  then  S^-7^}^ 
verses  of  the  86*^  Ps.,  sung  Cambridge  Short  Tune,  which 
I  set.  Then  had  Gov'^  Bradstreet  and  his  wife,  Mr.  Moodey 
and  wife,  Mr.  Allin  and  Mr.  Willard  and  wife,  Cous.  Dumer 
and  wife,  and  Mrs.  Clark  her  sister.  Cousin  Quinsey  and 
wife  and  Mrs.  Scottow,  should  have  reckon' d  formerly 
Mother  Hull  and  Self.  My  wife  was  so  lately  very  ill  of 
the  Ague  in  her  face,  she  could  not  come  down  out  of  the 
Chamber.  Fifteen  sat  down  together.  Mr.  Addington, 
Mr.  Eyre,  Capt.  Townsend  and  several  others  here  beside 
the  Meeting. 

Thorsday,  Oct.  4*^  About  5.  P.M.  Mr.  Willard  married 
Mr.  Samuel  Danforth  and  Mrs.  Hannah  Allen.  Mr.  Mor- 
ton began  with  prayer  before  Mr.  Willard  came.  Mr. 
Willard  just  before  married  Jonathan  Evans  and  a  Daugh- 
ter of  Mr.  Bronsdon's.  I  was  at  Mr.  Danforth's  Wedding, 
being  invited  by  the  Father. 

Friday,  Oct.  5.     Mrs.  Anger  of  Cambridge  is  buried : 


1688.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  229 

Was  Sister  to  Mrs.  Topan  of  Newbury.  Went  to  Mrs. 
Williams's  Meeting  where  Mr.  Moodey  preached.  About 
9.  night,  Thomas,  an  Indian  and  very  usefull  Servant  of 
Mr.  Oliver,  hang'd  himself  in  the  Brewhouse. 

Satterday,  Oct.  6.^     The  Coroner  sat  on  him,  having  a 

1  The  following  letter  is  printed  in  the  Mass.  Hist.  Soc.  Coll.,  4th  Series, 
VIII.  518:  — 

For  the  Reverend  Mr.  Increase  Mather  at  London. 

Boston,  N.  E.  Ocf  8.  1688. 

Honoured  Sir,  —  On  Sept'  21.  I  reed  yours  of  July  6*'',  by  which  I  am 
much  oblig'd.  Am  glad  to  hear  of  the  likelihood  you  have  of  succeeding  in 
the  great  concerns  you  manage  for  New-England.  I  writt  to  you  p'  C.  Bel- 
char,  of  mine  and  my  friend's  concerns  relating  to  our  Properties,  and  since 
p  Mr.  Curtis,  sailing  to  Bilbao,  and  from  thence  to  Bristow.  In  the  last  I 
acquainted  you,  that  tho  I  thought  it  very  hard  measure  to  be  serv'd  with  a 
Writt  of  Intrusion;  yet  my  friends  not  agreeing  in  their  advice,  I  petition'd 
for  a  Patent  rather  than  to  stand  suit  with  the  King.  This  was  done  July 
24th;  and  July  30th  the  Governour  took  his  journey  to  New- York,  East  and 
West  Jersey,  Albany,  from  which  voyages  is  not  yet  return 'd.  The  Indian 
troubles  falling  in,  which  were  begun,  as  I  take  it,  July  30th,  4  or  5  Indians 
being  slain  at  a  place  call'd  Spectacle  Pond  near  Springfield  Road.  Since 
that,  several  Englishmen  have  bee[n]  kill'd  at  Northfied,  al!  Squawheag;  and 
since  at  North -Yarmouth  four  or  five;  of  whom  Justice  Gendal,  one:  but  tis 
thought  sixteen  or  seventeen  Indians  were  kill'd  in  the  skirmish.  Also,  an 
Engl,  man  was  toll'd  into  the  woods,  at  New-Haven,  under  pretence  of  assist- 
ing to  kill  a  Dear,  and  was  himself,  by  the  Indian  Inviter,  butchered  in  a 
cruel  maner.  The  murderer  aprehended.  People  are  much  alarm'd  and  in 
many  places  dwell  in  gaiTison'd  houses,  to  their  great  anoyance  and  impov- 
erishing. Two  Presses  have  been  in  Boston,  32  sent  the  first,  and  sixteen 
the  second  out  of  this  Town,  to  help  those  in  distress  in  the  eastern  parts. 
The  Lord  provide. 

The  Gov":  and  Mr.  Secretary  West  being  absent,  with  other  of  the  Council, 
here  is  nothing  done  as  to  Patents,  so  have  not  any  thing  farther  to  add,  till 
I  see  how  I  shall  be  us'd.  Have  petitioned  only  for  the  I  sland.  Am  so 
sensible  of  the  miseries  this  people  like  to  undergoe,  if  that  course  be  follow 'd, 
that  I  shall  be  very  willing  to  give  more  than  comes  to  my  share,  if  some 
general  way  of  Relief  might  be  obtain'd.  I  was  so  concern'd,  that  I  had  cast 
myself  on  the  sea  to  come  for  England  before  petitioning,  but  knew  not  how 
to  get  away  from  my  friends.  My  wife  was  delivered  safely  of  a  son  August 
15*"  vlt.  If  my  many  Land-ties  (that  I  know  of)  hold  me  not,  shall  goe  near 
to  make  an  Essay  to  see  my  native  country,  while  some  that  I  know  are  there. 
'Tis  much  that  nothing  was  said  of  Judge  Palmer  in  any  letter,  who  is  like 
to  make  a  great  figure  here  under  that  character.  He  hath  so  artificially  re- 
ported the  Articles  (as  they  are  call'd)  against  the  Gov"",  as  tends  to  consider 


230  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1688. 

Jury,  and  ordered  his  burial  by  the  highway  with  a  Stake 
through  his  Grave. 

Wednesday,  Oct.  10^^  Went  on  Board  the  America, 
Mr.  Isaac  Addington  one  of  the  Owners,  introducing  me : 
took  up  the  Starboard  Cabbin,  and  when  came  back,  met 
Capt.  Clark  and  gave  him  Earnest  2 Of ;  then  went  to  Mr. 
Moodey's  to  a  Meeting.  At  night  read  in  course  the 
Seventh  of  the  Eomans.  Eeceived  a  Letter  from  Mr. 
Taylor  this  day,  and  writt  to  him  before  I  had  received 
it.  Both  of  us  concluded  alike  from  Joseph's  Blessing, 
Deuteronomy. 

Oct.  11^.^  Writt  to  Mr.  Solomon  Stoddard  to  acquaint 
him  with  my  design. 

Oct.  12*.^.  Thomas  Brown  comes  from  Sherborn  and 
acquaints  me  of  the  wellfare  of  our  Cousins. 

Satterday,  Oct.  13*j^.  Went  to  Watertown  with  Mr. 
Joyliff,  Hutchinson,  Serj^  Taylor,  Samp^  Stoddard.  Din'd 
at  Cambridge,  there  was  trimmd  by  Barret  12*^,  gave 
Goodm.  Brown  12"!;  visited  Sister,  her  child  asleep,  so  saw 
it  not,  'tis  very  ill.  Visited  Mr.  Tho.  Baily  who  is  recov- 
ering. Came  home  without  seeing  the  Governour,  whom 
went  to  meet.  When  I  come  home  here  the  sad  news  of  a 
family  of  8  persons  being  cut  off  by  the  Indians.  Gillam, 
who  sail'd  on  Thorsday,  is  put  back  by  a  Storm,  and  now 
stopt  to  wait  the  Governour's  coming. 

Sabbath-Even.  Capt.  Eliot  and  Frary  visit  me,  Oct.  14. 
1688. 

Monday,  Oct.  15.  Speak  to  Gilbert  Cole  to  Bottle  me 
a  Barrel  of  Beer  for  the  Sea. 

able  disadvantage;  tho  Mr.  Nowell'SjOf  ...  21,  gives  check  to  a  considerable 
part  of  his  Relation.  ...  of  Cambridge  was  buried  last  Friday.    Supose  .  .  . 

[Two  lines  mutilated.] 
from  whence  I  lately  came.    Supose  you  will  have  a  fuller  acc°  p'  Mr.  Mather. 
My  service  to  your  .   .  .  Mr.  Nowell,  and  my  l^^ew-Engl'^  friends.     Praying 
God  you  may  hapily  finish  what  you  have  so  well  begun,  especially  about 
Property,  I  take  leave,  who  am,  Sir.     Your  friend  and  servt 

SamV  Sewall. 


1688.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  231 

Tuesday,  Oct.  16.  Little  Hanah  going  to  School  in  the 
morn,  being  enter' d  a  little  within  the  Schoolhouse  Lane, 
is  rid  over  by  David  Lopez,  fell  on  her  back,  but  I  hope 
Uttle  hurt,  save  that  her  Teeth  bled  a  Little,  was  much 
frighted ;  but  went  to  School ;  one  Stebbin  took  her  in, 
who  lives  next  Solomon  Rainsford's  Shop  up  the  Lane,  on 
the  left  hand  as  goe  up.  This  day  the  Ground-Sills  of  the 
Church  [the  first  King's  Chapel,  built  of  wood]  are  laid ; 
the  stone  foundation  being  finished.^  Visit  Cousin  Dum- 
mer  sick  abed. 


1  The  Episcopal  Church  here  mentioned  was,  of  course,  the  predecessor  of 
our  "  King's  Chapel."  The  first  building  was  much  smaller  than  its  succes- 
sors, and  the  land  was  undoubtedly  taken  from  the  burying-ground.  To  this 
course  no  effective  objection  could  be  raised,  and  Andros,  by  appropriating 
public  land  when  individuals  like  Sewall  refused  to  sell  private  estates,  cer- 
tainly did  not  abuse  his  authority.  Bowditch  has  pointed  out  that  in  1748 
(Deeds,  Lib.  76,  f .  82)  the  town  sold  some  additional  land  to  the  wardens  and 
vestry  of  the  church. 

The  following  letter  from  Sewall  in  the  Mather  Papers  (Mass.  Hist.  Soc. 
Coll.,  4th  Series,  VIII.  517)  deals  in  part  with  this  matter.  —  Eds. 

For  the  Rev^  Mr.  Increase  Mather  in  London. 

Boston,  New  Engl.  July  24,  1688. 
Rev°  Sir,  —  I  writt  to  London  of  the  16*^  inst.  by  Belcher,  giving  an 
ace?  of  the  serving  of  several  Writts  of  Intrusion,  on  Colonel  Shrimpton  for 
Dear-Island,  on  M'[  Lynde  of  Charlestown,  for  land  of  his  there;  and  on  Mr. 
Russell  of  the  same  place,  for  land  of  his  near  old  Abraham's.  Mr.  Lynde 
quickly  made  his  peace  with  Mr.  James  Graham,  the  Attorney-General.  Mr. 
Russell  foUow'd  not  long  after,  prevaild  with  by  Mr.  Stoughton's  advice. 
I  was  urg'd  by  my  friends  two  contrary  wayes;  but  at  last  have  this  day 
petition 'd  for  a  Patent  for  Hogg-Island.  Mr.  Dudley,  Stoughton  and  sev- 
eral principal  men  having  taken  Patents,  and  intend  to  doe  it;  some  of  which 
were  formerly  most  averse.  I  had  resolv'd  once  to  have  come  to  you  by  Bil- 
bao, in  i\Ir.  Curtis,  by  whom  I  send  this,  but  when  it  came  to,  my  friends 
would  by  no  means  part  with  me,  my  wife  being  very  near  her  time.  Twere 
good  if  you  could  come  to  know  whether  persons  are  thus  to  be  compell'd  to 
take  Patents.  The  Judges  did  as  good  as  tell  us  we  should  be  cast;  and 
Apealing  to  England  does  not  hinder  the  Execution  going  forth.  The  gen- 
erality of  People  are  very  averse  from  complying  with  any  thing  that  may 
alter  the  Tenure  of  their  Lands,  and  look  upon  me  very  sorrowfully  that  I 
have  given  way.  There  was  a  Gallery  erected  last  Thorsday,  at  the  east  end 
of  the  Town  House,  from  whence  His  Excellency's  new  Comission  was  pub- 
lished, 8  Companys  being  in  Arms.     About  two  a  clock  the  Lecture  began, 


232  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1688. 

Wednesday,  Oct.  17, 1688.  Ride  in  the  Hackney-Coach 
with  Gov^  Bradstreet,  his  Lady,  Mrs.  Willard,  Mrs.  Mercy 
Bradstreet,  Josiah  Willard,  to  Roxbury,  to  the  Ordination 
of  Mr.  Nehemiah  Walter.  Mr.  Eliot,  Allen,  Willard,  Dan- 
forth  of  Dorchester,  laid  on  Hands.  Mr.  Eliot  ordain'd. 
Mr.  Allen  gave  the  Right  Hand  of  Fellowship,  desir'd  he 
might  keep  to  Christ's  Institutions  in  the  Purity  of  them, 
for  which  God's  people  came  over  hether.  Mr.  Walter, 
giving  the  Blessing,  said,  Hapy  are  they  who  are  faithfull 
in  the  work  Christ  calls  them  unto,  &c.  The  132.  Psal. 
sung  from  the  13*.^  v.  to  the  end.  Din'd  at  Mr.  Dudley's, 
Mr.  Bradstreet  and  Mr.  Eliot  sat  at  the  uper  end  of  the 
Table.  After  Diner  sung  Zech'^  song  from  76*!^  v.  to  the 
end,  and  the  song  of  Simeon.  At  meeting,  in  the  fore- 
seat,  sat  Mr.  Bradstreet,  Danforth,  Richards,  Cook,  Sewall, 
Wilson,  [of]  Meadfield,  Gookin  [of]  Cambridge.  Note. 
In  time  of  the  first  Prayer  the  Governour  came  by  from 
his  Progress.  This  day  a  great  part  of  the  Church  is 
raised.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  not  there  ;  he  stays  at  Salem 
to  close  the  eyes  of  his  dying  Brother  Nathaniel ;  died 
this  day  about  one  aclock. 

This  day  a  Church  is  to  be  gathered,  and  Mr.  Williams 
ordained  at  Dearfield. 

Friday,  Oct.  19.  Carried  my  w^ife  on  Horseback  to  Mr. 
Air's  to  a  Fast.  Mr.  Willard  pray'd,  preach'd  from  Ezek. 
9.  4.  pray'd,  P.M.,  Mr.  Phillips  pray'd,  Mr.  Moodey  preach'd 
from  Psal.  57.  1.     Pray'd,  Sung  the  125*.!^  Psal.     Mr.  Wil- 


Mr.  Lawson  preached.  The  Governour  speaks  of  setting  forth  for  New- York 
next  Thursday.  Deacon  Bracket  was  buried  this  day.  'Tis  finally  said  that 
the  Chh  shall  be  set  between  the  School-House  and  Capt.  Townsend's  corner, 
many  of  the  Council  urging  it,  that  so  it  might  not  stand  just  up  with  Mr. 
Moodey's  gate,  where  it  would  have  wholly  cut  off  the  way  between  my 
fence  and  Jn?  Coney's,  and  have  stood  upon  the  cartway  that  now  is,  into 
the  ground.  We  are  all  indifferent  well,  and  so  are  yours  so  far  as  I  know. 
We  have  had  a  very  showery  summer  hitherto,  which  produces  good  suplyes 
of  Grass,  but  Aples  fail  much  by  reason  of  worms  in  the  spring. 
I  am,  Sir,  Your  obliged  friend  and  serv'. 

Sam.  Sewall. 


I 


1688.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  233 

lard  was  call'd  out  to  Isaac  Walker  who  lay  dying,  was 
taken  but  last  Sabbath-day.  Very  rainy  day.  I.  Walker 
dies  about  3.  P.M. 

Monday,  Oct.  22.  Mr.  Isaac  Walker  is  buried.  Bearers, 
Mr.  James  Taylor,  Mr.  Francis  Burroughs,  Capt.  Tho.  Sav- 
age, Mr.  Simeon  Stoddard,  Mr.  George  EUeston,  Mr.  Sam! 
Checkly  ;  Deacon  Eliot  and  I  led  the  young  widow,  and 
had  Scarfs  and  Gloves.  The  Lord  fit  me,  that  my  Grave 
may  be  a  Sweetening  place  for  my  Sin-polluted  Body. 
Can't  see  that  anything  has  been  done  towards  raising  the 
Church  since  Wednesday :  Friday  and  Thorsday  had  so 
much  rain.     Rained  as  went  to  the  Grave. 

Tuesday,  Oct.  23.  Went  to  Mr.  Wilkins  and  heard  Mr. 
Bayly  preach  from  Numb.  33.  8,  9.  Sung  the  prayer  of 
Jonah.     Visited  Cous.  Dumer. 

Wednesday,  Oct.  24,  1688.  Mr.  Bayly  and  his  wife, 
Mr.  Moodey  and  his  wife  and  Cous.  Richard  Duiiier  dined 
with  us.  In  the  afternoon  coming  out  of  Town,  I  met 
Mr.  Ratcliff,  who  ask'd  me  if  I  were  going  for  England  ; 
he  ask'd  when,  I  said  in  Capt.  Clark.  He  pray'd  God 
Almighty  to  bless  me,  and  said  must  wait  upon  me.  Capt. 
Clark  tells  me  at  the  Coffee-House,  that  he  will  sail  next 
week,  or  Monday  come  senight  at  out-side. 

Oct.  25.  Presented  my  final  account  to  his  Excellency 
respecting  the  French-Contribution  [for  redeeming  cap- 
tives], as  He  landed  at  Mrs.  Gillam's  stairs,  from  seeing  the 
Sloops  set  sail  with  Souldiers  and  provisions  for  the  East- 
ward. Mr.  Eliot  and  I  eat  together  after  Lecture.  Mr. 
Stoughton  and  Dudley  call  at  the  Gate  as  they  goe  home 
at  night. 

Satterday,  Oct.  27.  The  Rose-Frigot  comes  up,  and  his 
Excellency  goes  off  to  Charlestown  and  so  to  Dunstable  : 
At  both  which,  firing. 

Oct.  28.  Lord's  Super  at  the  South  Church  Mr.  Wil- 
lard  preached  from  Heb.  9.  24.  Mr.  Cotton  of  Hampton 
preached  in  the  afternoon.   His  Text,   Quench  not  the 


234  DIART    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1688. 

Spirit.  Note.  It  seems  the  Goverhour  took  Mr.  Ratcliff 
with  him,  so  met  not  at  all  distinct  in  our  House  this  day. 
Several  of  them  with  us  in  the  afternoon.  Col.  Lidget, 
Mr.  Sherlock,  Farwell  in  one  Pue :  went  to  Contribution. 

Monday,  Oct.  29.  Went  to  Hogg-Island,  had  Sam., 
Ilaiiah  and  Betty  thether,  Mr.  Oliver's  two  daughters, 
Mr.  Johnson's  daughter,  Mr.  Balston's  daughter:  Mr.  Oli- 
ver himself  went ;  Sam^  Marshall  and  his  boy  carried  us. 
Landed  at  the  Point  because  the  water  was  over  the  Marsh 
and  Wharf,  being  the  highest  Tide  that  ever  I  saw  there. 
Cous.  Savage  came  and  din'd  with  us  on  a  Turkey  and 
other  Fowls :  had  a  fair  wind  home.  Landed  at  Gibbs  his 
Wharf,  got  home  about  Sun-set.  Visited  Mr.  Smith  who 
lies  very  ill. 

Oct.  30.  We  have  the  news  of  Herbert  Wanton  and 
Blagg  being  cast  away  on  the  Isle  of  Pines.  Very  high 
Tide  to  day,  in  so  much  I  feared  'twould  have  carried 
away  the  Island-Dam,  and  sent  on  purpose  to  see  :  All 
was  firm  and  sound,  blessed  be  God. 

Wednesday,  Oct.  31.  Went  to  the  Funeral  of  Mrs. 
Gookin :  Bearers,  Mr.  Danforth,  Mr.  Russell,  Sewall  and 
Hutchinson,  Eliakim,  Mr.  James  Taylor,  and  Mr.  Edw. 
Bromfield.  Note.  The  Tide  was  over  the  Causey,  and 
Mrs.  Willard,  whom  Mr.  Pain  carried,  fell  into  the  water, 
so  that  she  was  fain  to  goe  to  Bed  presently  in  stead  of 
going  to  the  Grave,  the  Horse  verg'd  to  the  right,  till 
fell  into  the  Ditch.  Mr.  Hutchinson's  Coach-Horses  also 
plung'd. 

Joshua  Gee  Lanches  to  day,  and  his  Ship  is  called  the 
Prince.  Bant  sails.  Capt.  Clark  treats  his  Owners  and 
Passengers:  I  was  invited  but  the  Funeral  took  me  up. 
I  help'd  to  ease  the  Corps  into  the  Grave.  Mr.  Torrey 
goes  home.  More  mischief  done  at  the  Eastward  by  the 
Indians.     Mr.  Alden  dispatch'd  again  with  Souldiers. 

Satterday,  Nov.  3.  Mr.  Offly  and  Mr.  Clark  come  and 
speak   to   me   about  laying  in  for  the  Cabbin.     Tester- 


1688.]  DIAKY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  235 

day  was  Cous.  Quinsej's  Meeting  where  Mr.  Moodey 
preacb'd. 

Nov.  3,  about  two  P.M.  Capt.  White  comes  and  presses 
me  in  His  Majesties  Name  to  appear  at  the  Townhouse 
compleat  in  Arms  next  Monday  at  11.  aclock. 

Gunpowder-Treason-day  1688.  I  had  sent  for  Kobert 
Grundy ;  but  his  wife  being  great  with  child,  and  Jona- 
than Wales  offering  to  serve  in  my  stead  for  five  pounds, 
I  agreed  with  him,  and  had  him  to  the  Market-place  at 
the  hour,  where  Capt.  White  listed  him  in  my  stead  and 
dismiss'd  me. 

Nov.  7.  Brother  Stephen  comes  to  Town  and  brings 
my  Letter  of  Attorney  and  other  writings.  I  go  with  him 
to  the  Governour's  where  the  witnesses  are  sworn,  and 
after  that  I  ask  his  Excellency  if  He  has  any  service  for 
me  to  Hampshire  or  Coventry  :  He  ask'd  where ;  I  said 
in  England.  He  said  none  in  particular;  Ask'd  whom  I 
went  in ;  said  in  Capt.  Clark.  He  said  'twas  very  well, 
and  passed'  away  out  of  the  Porch. 

Nov.  8.  Capt.  Tho.  Smith  dies  about  5.  mane  ;  buried 
Nov.  10.  Where  the  Corps  was  set  was  the  room  where 
first  my  Father  Hull  had  me  to  see  the  manner  of  the 
Merchants,  I  suppose  now  above  12  years  agoe.  Bearers, 
Capt.  Prout,  Faj'erw ether,  W^  Clarke,  Foye,  Taiier,  Legg ; 
Mr.  Serj!'  and  Benj.  Brown  led  the  widow,  buried  in  the 
old  burying- place.  The  Lord  grant  I  may  be  ready  when 
my  turn  shall  come  to  be  becken'd  away.  There  is  a  con- 
siderable snow  upon  the  ground  which  fell  last  Thorsday 
night  and  Fridaj^,  near  haK  a  foot  deep. 

Sabbath,  Nov.  11.  Mr.  Moodey  preached  with  us  in  the 
forenoon  from  Luke  12.  47,  knew  :  —  many  got  home  just 
about  a  quarter  after  11.  Afternoon  got  home  about  half 
an  hour  by  Sun. 

Nov.  13.  My  Unkle  Quinsey  visits  me,  and  Mr.  Torrey, 
Willard,  Mather.  I  see  Mrs.  Nowell,  Hutchinson,  Mathers. 
America  comes  to  sail  this  day,  and  runs  aground  as  turns 


236  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1688. 

up  and  down  but  gets  off  quickly.  Governour  went  out 
of  Town  yesterday,  or  to  day,  towards  the  Eastward. 

Wednesday,  Nov.  14, 1688.  Went  to  the  Meeting  at  Mrs. 
Averies,  Brother  Emons  pray'd  much  about  Death  :  I  read 
out  of  Mr.  Allen  about  the  Good,  bad  Angels,  Death,  Means 
of  Grace,  being  given  in  to  the  Covenant.  Sung  the  23"^  Ps. 
I  concluded  with  prayer.  None  but  Brother  Emons,  Davis, 
Self,  Mother  Hull,  Mrs.  Avery,  Mrs.  Noyes  of  the  Meeting 
there,  so  none  to  invite  the  Meeting  next  time. 

Nov.  16.  The  Upholsterer  tells  me  the  Ship  is  loaden 
too  much  by  the  head  and  sails  badly.  About  11  M.  The 
Widow  Glover  is  drawn  by  to  be  hang'd.  Mr.  Larkin 
seems  to  be  Marshal.  The  Constables  attend,  and  Justice 
BuUivant  there. 

Nov.  16.  Went  to  Capt.  Davis's  to  meeting  :  Mr.  Wil- 
lard  preachd  from  Job  30.  23.  At  night  read  in  course 
the  first  Chapter  2  Cor.  the  9^.^  verse,  of  which  have  often 
thought  on  of  late.  Sentence  of  death.  Brother  Stephen 
visits  me  this  day.    Mrs.  Eainsford,  the  aged  Mother,  dies. 

Satterday,  Nov.  17.  Brother  Stephen  and  I  with  Mr. 
Pole  and  Capt.  Clarke  goe  on  Board  the  America.  It 
rained  before  we  got  aboard,  and  all  the  way  as  we  came 
from  the  Ship ;  had  a  glass  of  good  Madera.  Brother 
comends  the  Ship,  dines  with  us  and  returns  to  Salem. 


[Tlie  journal  of  Mr.  Se wall's  visit  to  England  is  contained  in  a 
separate  MS.  volume,  a  copy  of  which  here  follows. 

The  visit  seems  to  have  combined  two  objects  on  the  part  of 
Sewall,  one  being  in  reference  to  his  own  kindred  and  the  property  of 
his  family  in  England,  and  the  other  a  desire  to  be  with  Mr.  Mather, 
the  agent  of  Massachusetts,  and  other  friends  who  sought  to  uphold 
the  interests  of  the  colony,  now  without  a  charter  or  a  settled  govern- 
ment, and  to  secure,  if  possible,  a  restoration  of  its  privileges.] 

The  Care  of  Heaven  flourisheth  towards  you  when  you 
Wither.     James  1.  1.     Dr.  Manton's  Exposition,  p.  6. 
When  you  lose  your  Dwelling,  you  doe  not  lose  your 


1688.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  237 

Interest  in  Christ :  and  you  are  every  where  at  home  but 
there  where  you  are  Strangers  to  God.     p.  9. 

Thorsday,  November  22,  1688.  Set  sail  out  of  Boston 
Harbour  about  an  hour  by  Sun  [before  sunset],  with  a 
very  fair  wind.  Friday,  Nov.  23,  mane,  the  wind  came  up 
at  North-East  to  our  great  discomfort.  Beiiy  Harris  reads 
the  21  of  the  Proverbs,  which  is  the  first  Chapter  I  heard 
read  on  Shipboard.  I  much  heeded  that  verse,  He  that 
wand  ere  th  out  of  the  way  of  Understanding  shall  remain 
in  the  Congregation  of  the  dead.  At  night  I  read  the  first 
of  the  Ephesians,  and  go  to  prayer.  Saturday,  Nov.  24, 
wind  holds  North-East,  we  go  away  East-South-East  and  the 
like,  hoping  to  shape  clear  of  Nantucket  Shoals.  Mr.  Clark 
reads  the  two  first  Chapters  of  Isaiah,  and  Capt.  Clarke 
prayes.  Sabbath,  Nov.  25,  Strong  East  wind.  In  the 
even  reef  the  Mainsail.  I  read  the  74*^  Psalm,  being  that 
I  should  have  read  at  home  in  the  family.  Read  four  or 
five  verses  out  of  Dr.  Manton  on  the  first  of  James :  very 
suitable  for  me.  Sung  the  23"^  Psalm.  Monday,  Nov.  26, 
sail  generally  East-South-East.  Mate  takes  an  Observa- 
tion, and  finds  that  we  are  in  the  Latitude  of  40^  and  13^ 
Tuesday  Nov.  27,  sail  East-South-East,  and  sometimes  East 
and  North.  Ait  my  wives  Pastry,  the  remembrance  of 
whom  is  ready  to  cut  me  to  the  heart.  The  Lord  pardon 
and  help  me.  Wednesday,  Nov.  28,  rains  hard  in  the 
morning,  the  other  Tack  is  brought  on  board,  and  we 
sail  North-North-East.  Just  at  night  the  wind  blows  very 
hard,  just  in  our  teeth,  so  ly  by  under  the  Mizzen,  the 
other  sails  being  furled.  Scarce  any  sleeping  all  night, 
things  in  the  Cabbin  were  so  hurled  to  and  again.  Thurs- 
day, Nov.  29,  wind  comes  up  at  North,  or  thereabouts,  so 
steer  East-N.-East.  This  is  the  first  day  of  a  fair  wind 
since  our  coming  out;  goe  away  with  fore-sail  on  our 
course.  Clouds  and  no  observation.  About  12  at  night, 
the  Ship  being  under  a  hard  Gale  of  wind,  the  whipstaf  is 
somehow  loosed  from  the  Gooseneck,  which  puts  us  into 


238  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1688. 

great  consternation  :  and  the  word  is  given,  Turn  out  all 
hands.  Several  go  into  Gunroom  and  steer  there  for 
awhile,  and  by  God's  blessing  no  great  harm.  Some  of 
the  men  said  if  she  had  not  been  a  stiff  ship  would  have 
been  overset.  Friday,  Nov.  30*^,  one  Cassemate  being  left 
down  and  the  wind  astern,  a  Sea  is  shipped  into  the  Cab- 
bin  to  our  great  startling  and  discomfort.  Mrs.  Baxter, 
who  lay  athwart  ships  at  the  bulkhead,  the  most  wet. 
Very  high  wind  and  by  flaws,  we  ly  under  our  foresail  not 
quite  hoisted,  and  sail  East.  'Tis  a  very  laborious  day  by 
reason  of  hail,  snow,  wind  and  a  swoln  sea  all  in  a  foaming 
breach.  A  little  before  night  the  foresail  is  reefed,  and 
Main  Top-Mast  took  down  to  prepare  for  the  tempestuous 
night,  which  proves  very  stormy,  sore  flaws  of  wind  and 
Hail.  Satterday,  Decemb.  1,  wind  very  high,  frequent 
storms  of  Hail  and  Rain  in  fierce  Gusts.  About  an  hour 
by  sun  we  are  put  into  great  confusion,  the  iron  of  the 
Whipstaff  coming  out  of  the  said  Staff.  Some  goe  down 
and  steer  below,  but  fain  at  last  to  take  in  the  foresail  and 
ly  by  till  the  staff  was  fitted.  The  good  Lord  fit  us  for 
his  good  pleasure  in  this  our  passage. 

Sabbath,  Dec.  2,  goe  with  our  fore  courses,  and  just 
before  night  hoist  the  Top-sail^  sailing  East-N.-E.  Read 
out  of  Dr.  Preston^  and  Man ton,^  prayed  and  sung  Psalms. 
Monday,  Dec.  3,  calm  in  the  morn  for  some  hours,  then  a 
South-west  wind  and  Top-sails  out.  Rain  at  night.  Reef 
the  Mainsail  because  now  the  wind  very  high.  Caught  two 
Petterils  which  Mr.  Clark  intends  to  preserve  alive.  Note, 
my  Erasmus  was  quite  loosened  out  of  the  Binding  by  the 
breaking  of  the  water  into  Cabbin  when  it  did.  Was  com- 
forted in  the  even  by  reading  the  4.  5.  6.  7.  verses  espe- 


1  Probably  Dr.  John  Preston,  a  distinguished  Puritan  preacher,  born  in 
1587,  died  in  1628.     At  one  time  he  was  Master  of  Emanuel  College.  —  Eds. 

2  Dr.  Thomas  Manton,  one  of  the  most  noted  of  the  ministers  ejected  in 
1662.  His  Practical  Commentary,  or  Exposition  of  the  Epistle  of  St.  James, 
was  published  in  1651.  —  Eds. 


1688.]  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  239 

cially  of  the  Ephesians.  About  8  at  night  the  Mate  tells 
me  he  saw  three  Corpressants/  upon  the  top  of  each  mast 
one.  Tuesday,  Dec.  4.  mane,  a  violent  North-East  storm 
rises,  so  all  sails  taken  in  and  ly  by :  very  troublesome  by 
reason  of  the  frequent  seas  shipt  and  throwing  the  things 
in  the  Cabbin  into  confusion.  Mrs.  Mar[c  ?]y's  Chest  broken 
and  her  things  powred  out.  I  put  on  a  clean  shirt  this 
morn.  Can't  dress  victuals  to  day.  Wednesday,  Dec.  5, 
wether  is  moderated  :  but  the  wind  so  contrary  that  we 
sailed  E.S.E.  and  South-East.  Thorsday,  Xr.  6*^  wether 
is  comfortable,  but  wind,  E.N.E.,  so  we  sail  N.  or  N.  and 
by  West.  Mrs.  Baxter  is  taken  ill  with  a  Flux.  Kill  a 
Shoat.  Friday,  Dec.  7*^  very  fair  day :  sail  N.  East. 
Breakfast  on  one  of  my  wives  Plum  Cakes.  Read  Dr. 
Preston,  Sain*^  Support  of  sorrowfull  Siners.  One  of  the 
Geese  dyes  yesterday,  or  to  day.     Mrs.  Baxter  is  better. 

Satterday,  Dec.  8,  very  mild  wether.  Sail  N.E.  and 
E.N.E.  In  the  afternoon  veer'd  out  about  100  Fathom 
of  Line,  but  found  no  bottom.  Suppose  ourselves  very 
near  the  Banks  of  New-found-Land,  by  reason  of  the  mul- 
titude of  Gulls.  Guner  trims  me.  Sabbath,  Dec.  9.  South, 
and  South-w.  wind ;  very  temperat  whether.  Just  at  night 
Rain  and  N.W.  wind.  Cloudy  all  day.  Monday,  Dec. 
10*.^  North  Wind.  Tuesday,  Dec.  11.  N.  and  N.  and  by 
W.  Pleasant  wether.  Last  night  I  prayed  to  God  and 
was  somewhat  comforted.  This  day  the  Captain  takes  a 
List  of 's  Letters.  Wednesday,  Dec.  12.  West  wind.  Very 
pleasant  wether.  Thursday,  Dec.  13.  Strong  S.W.  wind. 
Ship  runs  between  6  and  7  Knots.  Cloudy,  dusky  day. 
Friday,  Dec.  14,  Fast  wind.  See  Birds,  and  a  number  of 
Fishes  called  Bottle-noses.  Some  say  they  are  Cow-fish, 
or  Black-fish.  Satterday,  Dec.  15.  N.W.  wind.  Very 
pleasant  morn.  A  little  before  night  is  a  calm,  after 
that  the  wind  comes  up  at  South-East,  or  thereabouts. 
Sail  East  N.  East. 

^  A  sort  of  electrical  ball  or  fire.  — Eds. 


240  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1688. 

Sabbath,  Dec.  16.  Very  high  wind  and  swoln  sea, 
which  so  tosses  the  ship  as  to  make  it  uncomfortable : 
wind  after,  so  Cabbin  shut  up  and  burn  Candles  all  day. 
Shifted  my  Linen  this  day,  Shirt,  Drawers,  N.  Wastcoat, 
Binder:  only  fore  course  to  sail  with.  Monday,  Dec.  17 
Strong  N.W.  wind.  Tuesday,  Dec.  18,  wind  N.  N.  West : 
many  flaws  :  storms  of  Hail.  Afternoon  was  a  Rainbow. 
Killed  the  Sheep  to  day.  Dream'd  much  of  my  wife  last 
night.  She  gave  me  a  piece  of  Cake  for  Hannah  Hett ; 
was  in  plain  dress  and  white  Apron.  Methoughts  was 
brought  to  bed,  and  I  through  inadvertency  was  got  up 
into  the  upermost  Gallery,  so  that  I  knew  not  how  to  get 
down  to  hold  up  the  Child.  We  are  in  about  48^  N. 
Latitude. 

Wednesday,  Dec.  19,  pleasant,  west  and  southwest  wind. 
Have  an  Observation.  Was  a  Rainbow  in  the  morn,  and 
in  the  even  Mr.  Sampson  set  the  Sun  by  the  Compass. 
This  morn  was  refreshed  in  prayer  from  the  Instance  of 
Jonah  and  God's  profession  of  's  readiness  to  give  his  Spirit 
to  those  who  ask. 

Thorsday,  Dec.  20,  strong  North  wind.  Are  in  48  D. 
36,  M.  Lat.  At  night  the  wind  veers  a  little  to  the  East- 
ward of  the  North. 

Friday,  Dec.  21.  Little  wind  and  that  is  Northerly. 
See  many  Porpuses.  I  lay  a  [wager]  w^ith  Mr.  Newgate 
that  shall  not  see  any  part  of  Great  Britain  by  next 
Saterday  senight  sunset.  Stakes  are  in  Dr.  Clark's  hand. 
In  the  night  wind  at  North-East.  Satterday,  Dec.  22, 
wind  is  at  North-East,  at  night  blows  pretty  fresh.  This 
day  a  Ganet  was  seen,  and  a  Purse  made  for  him  that 
should  first  see  Land,  amounting  to  between  30  and  40^- 
N.  England  Money.  I  gave  an  oblong  Mexico  piece  of 
Eight.  Starboard  Tack  brought  on  board,  and  sail,  N.E., 
N.N.E.  and  North  by  E. 

Sabbath,  Dec.  23.  Pretty  strong  East,  N.  East  wind. 
Sail  N.  and  by  E.     Saw  a  Ship  about  noon  some  two 


1688.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEW  ALL.  241 

Leagues  to  Leeward  of  us.  A  Gaiiet  seen  this  day.  To- 
wards night  the  Capt.  sounds  and  finds  a  sandy  bottom. 
The  water  between  70  and  80  Fathoms  deep. 

Monday,  Dec.  24,  wind  remains  right  in  our  Teeth.  See 
a  Ship  to  Leeward  most  part  of  the  day  which  stood  the 
same  way  we  did  :  but  we  worsted  her  in  saihng.  Tuesday, 
Dec.  25,  see  two  Ships,  one  to  windward,  'tother  to  Leeward. 
About  10,  m.  a  Woodcock  flies  on  board  of  us,  which  we 
drive  away  essaying  to  catch  him.  Wind  at  North-East. 
Ly  by  under  the  Mainsail  all  night.  Wednesday,  Dec.  26. 
This  morn  perceive  the  Eails  of  the  Ships  head  and  the 
Lion  to  be  almost  beaten  off,  which  cost  considerable  time 
and  pains  to  fasten  again.  Ly  by  with  no  Sails.  A  Rain- 
bow seen  this  day.  Thorsday,  Dec.  27,  begin  to  sail 
again  a  little,  winding  East,  N.  East.  Friday,  Dec.  28, 
wind  contrary,  yet  keep  sailing  sometimes  N.  East,  some- 
times goe  South  and  by  West  upon  the  other  Tack.  Saw 
three  Ships  in  the  Afternoon,  which,  suppose  are  bound  for 
England  as  we  are.  Satterday,  Dec.  29.  Have  an  Ob- 
servation ;  are  in  49?  and  50^     See  a  Ship. 

Sabbath,  Dec.  30*^  Spake  with  a  Ship  7  weeks  from 
Barbados,  bound  for  London,  tells  us  he  spake  with  an 
English  Man  from  Galloway,  last  Friday,  who  said  that 
the  King  was  dead,  and  that  the  Prince  of  Aurang  [Or- 
ange] had  taken  England,  Landing  six  weeks  agoe  in  Tor- 
Bay.  Last  night  I  dreamed  of  military  matters.  Arms 
and  Captains,  and,  of  a  suddain.  Major  Gookin,  very  well 
clad  from  head  to  foot,  and  of  a  very  fresh,  lively  coun- 
tenance —  his  Coat  and  Breeches  of  blood-red  silk,  beck- 
ened  me  out  of  the  room  where  I  was  to  speak  to  me.  I 
think  'twas  from  the  Town-house.  Read  this  day  in  the 
even  the  Eleventh  of  the  Hebrews,  and  sung  the  46'.^ 
Psalm.  When  I  waked  from  my  Dream  I  thought  of 
Mr.  Oakes's  Dream  about  Mr.  Shepard  and  Mitchell  beck- 
ening  him  up  the  Garret-Stairs  in  Harvard  College.  Mon- 
day, Dec.  SO**",  contrary  wind  still,  speak  with  our  Consort 


242  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1688. 

again.  Tuesday,  Jan.  1.  [1689.]  speak  with  one  who  came 
from  Kenebeek  [?]  in  Ireland  8  day's  agoe  :  says  there 
are  Wars  in  England.  Pr.  of  Aurang;  in  Salisbury  Plain, 
with  an  Army  Landed  with  fourscore  and  5  Men  of  War  and 
above  two  hundred  Fly  Boats,  has  took  Plymouth  and 
Portsmouth,  &c.  and  is  expected  at  London  daily,  Eead 
Hebrews  13*^  Wednesday,  Jan.  2.  Last  night  about  12 
aclock  the  Wind  comes  fair,  so  that  by  morning  the  word 
was,  Steady,  Steady.  The  Lord  fit  us  for  what  we  are  to 
meet  with.  Wind  veered  from  East  to  South,  and  so 
Westerly.  This  day  eat  Simon  Gates's  Goose.  Thorsday, 
Jan.  3,  wind  comes  East  again.  A  gray  Linet  and  a  Lark, 
I  think,  fly  into  the  Ship.  Friday,  Jan.  4,  wind  not  very 
fair.  Some  say  they  saw  a  Robin-Redbrest  to-day.  Sat- 
terday,  Jan.  5*^,  wind  is  now  come  to  be  about  Southwest. 
Sounded  and  found  a  red,  blackish  sand  about  50  Fathoms 
deep.  Have  a  good  Observation.  This  day  I  finished 
reading  Dr.  Manton.  Blessed  be  God  who  in  my  separa- 
tion from  my  dear  Wife  and  family  hath  given  me  his 
Apostle  James,  with  such  an  Exposition.  Page  8.  Hon- 
our God  in  your  houses,  lest  you  become  the  burdens  of 
them,  and  they  spue  you  out.  The  tendernes  of  God's 
Love  !  He  hath  a  James  for  the  Xns.  of  the  scattered 
Tribes.  Obj.  My  affliction  for  sin,  not  Christ's.  Ans. 
'Tis  an  error  in  Believers  to  think  that  Xt.  is  altogether 
unconcern' d  in  their  sorrows,  unless  they  be  endured  for 
his  Names  sake.  If  you  do  not  suffer  for  Xt,  Xt.  suffers 
in  you  and  for  you.  We  should  with  the  same  cheerfull- 
ness  suffer  the  will  of  Xt,  as  we  would  suffer  for  the  name 
of  Xt.  P.  15.  Look  then  not  to  the  earnestness  of  your 
motions,  but  the  regularity  of  them  ;  not  at  what  you 
would,  but  at  what  you  ought.  Men  think  'tis  a  disgrace 
to  change  their  mind  and  therefore  are  unplyable  to  all 
aplications  made  towards  them.  But  there  is  not  a  greater 
piece  of  folly  than  not  to  give  place  to  right  reason.  409. 
Julian,  the  Apostat,  was  a  very  just,  strict,  temperat  man. 


I 


i68|.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  243 

So  Swenk field/  a  man  devout  and  charitable,  notable  in 
prayer,  famous  for  Alms  :  but  of  a  very  erroneous  and 
fanatical  spirit.  Y.  17'.^  Cap.  3.  p.  400.  Sorrow  in  Heaven 
a  note  above  Elah,  482.  God  hath  every  way  provided  for 
the  comfort  of  His  people :  He  hath  pity  for  their  afflic- 
tion? and  pardon  for  their  sins.  Cap.  5. 11.  P.  561.  There 
is  n  >  time  wherein  God  doth  not  invite  us  to  Himself. 
'Tis  wisdom  to  perform  what  is  most  seasonable.  There 
is  a  time  to  encourage  Trust.  At  what  time  I  am  afraid, 
I  will  trust  in  Thee.  Ps.  56.  3.  Cap.  5,  Y.  13,  P.  569. 
Doves  Eyes,  Doves  peck  and  look  upward  :  same  Y.  P. 
571.  Paul's  Thorn  in  the  flesh  meant  of  some  racking 
pain,  not  of  a  prevailing  Lust.  Cap.  5.  v.  14.  P.  584. 
Must  pray  in  Faith,  either  magnifying  God's  Power  by 
counterbalancing  the  difficulty,  or  by  magnifying  his  Love, 
referring  the  success  to  his  Pleasure.  Cap.  5.  v.  15.  P.  589. 
In  some  cases  Profession  may  be  forborn,  but  not  in  time 
of  publick  contest,  P.  622.  Psa.  chiefly  respects  the  feel- 
ing of  our  Consciences.  We  dread  them  and  God  will  set 
them  at  distance  enough,  613.  Free  Grace  can  show  you 
large  Accounts  and  a  Long  Bill  cancelled  by  the  blood  of 
Xt.  The  Lord  interest  us  in  this  abundant  Mercy  through 
the  bloud  of  Xt,  and  the  sanctification  of  the  Spirit.  Amen. 
Intend  to  give  my  Book  to  the  Ship,  and  so  took  out  this 
Note  or  two.  Satterday,  Jan.  5*^  1688  [9]  Sounded  twice 
to  day.  Found  50  Fathom  first,  then  about  70.  odd.  Wind 
Souwest.  A  flock  of  Sparrows  seen  today.  Psa.  84,  or 
some  such  small  Birds. 

Sabbath,  Jan.  6.  See  Capt.  James  Tucker,  Comander 
of  the  Betty  of  London,  about  120  Tons,  whom  spake  with, 
this  day  sennight.  Saith  he  saw  the  Light  of  Silly  last 
Thorsday  night.  We  carry  a  light  and  keep  company. 
Monday,  Jan.  7%  Mr.  Clark  goes  on  Board  our  Consort, 


1  Kaspar  Schwenkfeld,  or  Schwenckfeld.     See  Smith's  Gieseler's  Church 
History,  IV.  378. —Eds. 


244  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [leSf. 

and  brings  Oranges  and  a  Shattuck  [shaddock] .  So  steer 
in  the  night  E.  and  East  and  by  South.  We  had  no  Ob- 
servation. Capt.  Tucker  saith  he  had  by  a  forestaff,  and 
Latitude  49.30.  Reckons  we  shall  be  abrest  with  the 
Lizard  by  morning.  Wind  So.  west.  Tuesday,  Jan.  8, 
maney  a  brisk  west  wind.  We  sound  and  have  55  fathom  : 
speak  with  our  Consort,  who  saith  he  had  Lizard  Sound- 
ings, and  would  now  have  us  steer  East  and  by  N.  They 
were  a  little  to  windward  of  us,  and  a  little  astern.  By 
and  by  they  all  gathered  to  their  Starboard  side,  and  look- 
ing toward  us  made  a  horrid  Outcry,  Land !  Land  !  We 
looked  and  saw  just  upon  our  Larboard  Bow,  horrid,  high, 
gaping  Rocks.  Mr.  Clark  imagined  it  to  be  the  French 
Coast.  We  asked  our  Consort.  He  said.  Silly !  Silly ! 
Trim'd  sharp  for  our  Lives,  and  presently  Rocks  all  ahead, 
the  Bishop  and  Clarks,  so  were  fain  to  Tack,  and  the  Tack 
not  being  down  so  close  as  should  be,  were  afraid  whether 
she  would  stay  [not  miss  stays].  But  the  Seamen  were 
so  affected  with  the  breakers  ahead  that  the  Mate  could 
not  get  it  altered,  or  very  little.  But  it  pleased  God  the 
Ship  staid  very  well,  and  so  we  got  off  and  sailed  in  Bris- 
tow  Channel  toward  Ireland,  winding  Nore,  N.  West,  and 
N.N.W.,  westerly.  Just  when  saw  the  Rocks  it  cleared 
a  little,  and  when  fix'd  in  our  course  thicken'd  again. 
Blessed  be  God  who  hath  saved  us  from  so  great  a  Ruin. 
Saw  the  Light-House,  that  look'd  slender,  about  the  height 
of  a  man,  and  a  Rock  with  a  cloven  top,  not  altogether 
unlike  a  Bishops  Mitre,  which  I  therefore  take  to  be  the 
Bishop.  Wind  would  have  carried  us  between  Silly  and 
the  Lands  End,  but  durst  not  venture  and  could  not  speak 
to  our  Consort,  who  probably  knew  better  than  we.  And 
we  Tacking,  he  Tacked. 

Tuesday,  Jan.  8,  168f .  About  Noon  our  Consort  being 
astern,  Tacked,  and  we  then  Tacked,  and  stood  after  him, 
hoping  to  wether  Sylly  and  its  Rocks.  Just  before  night 
we  were  in  much  fear  by  reason  of  many  Rocks,  some  even 


168f.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  245 

with  and  some  just  above  the  water  under  our  Lee,  very 
near  us,  but  by  the  Grace  of  God  we  wethered  them.  In 
the  next  place  we  were  interrogated  by  the  Bishop  and 
his  Clarks,  as  the  Seamen  said,  being  a  Rock  high  above 
the  water,  and  three  spired  Rocks  by  the  side  of  him,  lower 
and  much  lesser,  which  we  saw,  besides  multitudes  at  a 
remoter  distance.  The  breach  of  the  Sea  upon  which 
made  a  white  cloud.  So  I  suppose  the  former  Rocks  near 
the  Land  of  Sylly  not  the  Bishop.  Sailed  Sou  west,  and 
S.W.  by  S.  At  night  our  Consort  put  out  a  Light,  and 
about  8  o'clock  began  to  hall  away  South-East.  We  im- 
agined we  saw  some  Glares  of  the  Light  of  Sylly,  but  could 
not  certainly  say. 

Wednesday,  Jan.  9*?  As  soon  as  'twas  light  the  word 
was  they  saw  of  Man  of  War,  which  put  us  into  as  great  a 
consternation  almost  as  our  yesterday's  Danger.  Pats  out 
his  Ancient  [ensign]  ;  coming  nearer  speaks  with  us :  is  a 
Londoner  from  the  Canaries,  who  by  dark  wether  for  sev- 
eral days  had  not  made  the  Land,  and  lost  his  Consort 
last  night.  We  told  him  we  came  from  Sylly  last  night. 
He  told  us  that  five  weeks  agoe  a  Ship  told  them  the 
Prince  of  Aurange  was  Landed  in  England  before  they 
came  from  Portland.  This  was  at  Canaries.  Said  also, 
the  King  not  dead.  Suppose  ourselves  abrest  with  the 
Lizard.  Our  Guiier  said  he  saw  it.  Sail  along  3  of  us 
pleasantly,  Laus  Deo. 

In  the  night  the  Londoner  carries  two  Lights,  one  in  's 
poop,  the  other  in  's  round  Top. 

Thorsday,  Jan.  10,  168f.  Very  fast  wind,  sail  along 
with  four  or  five  more  ships.  About  Ten  o'clock  saw  the 
Isle  of  Wight  plain,  which  is  the  first  Land  next  to  Sylly 
that  I  have  seen.  Next  to  that  saw  high  white  Cliffs  : 
but  then  Clouds  and  Fogg  took  away  our  Sunshine  and 
Prospect.  The  He  of  Wight  makes  a  long  space  of  Land, 
Hills  and  Valleys. 

Friday,  Jan.  11.     A  pretty  while  before  day,  a  vehe- 


246  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [168|. 

inent  North  wind  comes  up,  so  that  fain  to  ly  by,  and 
great  confusion  by  reason  that  the  6  or  7  Ships  were  so 
near  together  that  ready  to  fall  fowl  one  of  another.  In 
the  morn  see  that  we  are  over  against  Beachy  [Head]. 
In  a  while  Tack  about  to  try  to  gain  the  Wight,  but  can- 
not. A  little  before  night  tack  again ;  Seven  Cliffs.  Make 
thus  cold  wether. 

Jan.  12.  Meet  with  a  Pink  14  days  from  Liverpool :  tells 
us  Prince  of  Aurange  landed  about  the  29*^  Nov.  [really  on 
the  5th]  in  Torbay,  with  60  Thousand  Men,  Six  hundred 
Ships  :  Sea-Commanders  all  yielded  to  him  :  no  bloud  shed : 
King  and  Prince  of  Wales  gone  to  France  somwhat  privatly. 
Bought  three  Cheeses  of  him.  He  sent  us  some  Bottles 
of  very  good  Beer,  and  we  him  one  of  my  Bottles  of 
Brandy.  About  12  o'clock  the  wind  springs  up  fair,  and 
about  6  in  the  even  we  take  our  leave  of  Beachey.  Saith 
the  occasion  of  Prince's  coming  in,  that  apprehends  King 
James  has  no  Legitimate  Son,  that  that  of  Pr.  Wales  is 
a  Cheat.  Told  us  there  were  Englishmen  found  dead, 
drowned,  tied  back  to  back :  so  put  us  in  great  fear,  be- 
cause he  intimated  as  if  French  Men  of  War  were  cruising 
with  English  Commissions.  Sabbath,  Jan.  13.  Goe  ashoar 
at  Dover,  with  Newgate,  Tuttle  and  Sister.  Hear  2  Ser- 
mons from  Isaiah,  66.  9.  —  Shall  I  bring  to  the  birth? 
Monday  morn,  Jan.  14^^,  view  the  fort  at  the  west  end 
of  the  Town  and  the  Castle :  went  into  the  Kings  Lodg- 
ings. The  Town  is  like  a  Bow,  only  the  two  Ends  the 
thicker  parts  and  the  back  the  thinner,  being  built  as  the 
Sea  and  Cliff  would  suffer  it. 

Sea-Peer 


Cliff 

N. 


168f.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  247 

A  small  River  runs  that  helps  to  clear  the  Dock  of 
Shingle :  the  Peers  also  defending.  Houses  of  Brick 
covered  with  Tile  generally  :  Some  very  good  Buildings. 
A  handsome  Court-House  and  Market-place,  near  which 
the  Antwerp  Tavern,  where  we  drunk  coming  out  of 
Town. 

Got  this  night  to  Canterbury  time  enough  to  view  the 
Cathedral,  and  Kentish  Husbandry  as  went  along. 

Jan.  15.  To  Chatham  and  Rochester,  which  make 
a  Long  Street  of  Good  Houses.  A  fair  Assize-House 
now  building,  just  over  against  which  we  lodged  at  a 
Coffee  House  :  no  room  in  the  Inn.  Dined  at  Sitting- 
burne. 

Wednesday,  Jan.  16*.^  To  Dartford,  where  had  a  good 
Goose  to  Dinner.  'Tis  a  considerable  place.  A  river  runs 
into  the  Thames  under  a  Stone  Bridge  of  four  Arches.  To 
Southwark,  where  we  drink  and  reckon  with  the  Coach- 
man. Hire  another  Coach  for  18"^  to  Cousin  Hull's. 
Thorsday,  Jan.  IT**",  went  to  the  Exchange.  Jan.  30*^, 
went  to  the  Temple  and  to  White-hall.  Saw  Westminster 
Abbey  :  Henry  7^^^  Chapel.  Heard  Dr.  Sharp  ^  preach  be- 
fore the  Commons,  from  Psa.  51.  —  Deliver  me  from 
Blood  guiltinesse,  &c     Saw  St.  James's  Park. 

Jan.  31.  Heard  Mr.  Chauncy^  preach.  Writ  to  Mr. 
Flavell  this  day. 

Feb.  1.  Received  one  from  Mr.  Flavell  inclosed  in  Mr. 
Mather's. 

Feb.  7.  A  Minister  who  lives  at  Abbington  earnestly 
invites  me  to  his  House  with  Mr.  Mather,  and  he  will  goe 
and  shew  us  Oxford.  Mr.  Brattle  shewed  me  Gresham 
Colledge,  by  Mr.  Dubois  his  kindness  and  Cost.  After- 
ward went  to  Smithfield,  and  the  Cloisters  of  the  Blew 

1  Dr.  Sharp,  at  this  time  Dean  of  Norwich,  died  Archbishop  of  York. 
See,  in  Macaulay's  History  of  England,  Chap.  X.,  an  account  of  this  ser- 
mon.—  Eds. 

2  Probably  Isaac  Chauncy,  one  of  the  ejected  ministers.  —  Eds. 


248  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [16a|. 

Coat  Boys  [at  Christ's  Hospital].  Gresham-Colledge 
Library  is  about  one  Hundred  and  fifty  foot  long,  and 
Eighteen  foot  wide. 

Feb.  9,  168f .  Guild-Hall  I  find  to  be  Fifty  yards  long, 
of  which  the  Hustings  take  up  near  seven  yards.  Measur- 
ing by  the  same  yard -join  ted  Rule,  Mr.  Brattle  and  I  find 
the  breadth  to  be  Sixteen  Yards. 

Feb.  11*.^  Mr.  Brattle  and  I  went  to  Covent-Garden 
and  heard  a  Consort  of  Musick.  Dined  to-day  with  Madam 
Lloyd  and  Usher.  ♦ 

Feb.  12.  Saw  three  Waggons  full  of  Calves  goe  by 
together.  At  the  Star  on  the  Bridge,  Mr.  Ruck's,  saw 
the  Princess  ^  pass  in  her  Barge,  Ancients  and  Streamers 
of  Ships  flying.  Bells  Ringing,  Guns  roaring.  Supped  at 
Mr.  Marshal's. 

March  18,  wrote  to  my  Wife.  2d  to  Cousin  Quinsey,  3, 
to  Bro.  St.  Sewall,  inclosed  in  Sir  William's  into  the 
Downs. 

March  19.  Writ  to  Cousin  Stoeke  to  send  me  a  perfect 
account,  Dr.  and  Cr.,  and  the  Balance  Money.  I  took  up 
in  Stockings  8,  17,  2  Am  willing  to  allow  what's  reas- 
onable for  receiving  my  Money. 

March  19.  To  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Mills,  for  Pole's  Synopsis  ^ 
entire,  lacking  nothing,  will  give  £4:.  here. 

March  19.  Saw  Paul's,  which  is  a  great  and  excellent 
piece  of  work  for  the  Arches  and  Pillars  and  Porches. 
The  Stairs  are  five  foot  J  long  and  four  Inches  deep,  wind- ' 
ing  about  a  great  hollow  Pillar  of  about  six  foot  Diameter. 
March  20.  Went  and  saw  Weavers  Hall  and  Goldsmiths 
Hall.  Went  into  Guild-Hall  and  saw  the  manner  of  chus- 
ing  the  Mayor.  About  16  were  put  up,  though  I  think 
but  four  were  intended.     Pilkington  and  Stamp  had  by 

1  On  her  passage  from  Holland,  she  had  taken  barge  off  Greenwich,  and 
was  going  up  to  Whitehall.  —  Eds. 

2  Mr.  Matthew  Poole,  one  of  the  ejected  ministers,  published,  in  five  ^- 
umes  folio,  a  Synopsis  Criticorum.     He  died  in  1679.  —  Eds. 


1089.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  249 

much  the  most  Hands,  yet  those  for  fatal  Moor  ^  and  Ray- 
ment  would  have  a  Pole,  which  the  Court  of  Aldermen  in 
their  Scarlet  Gowns  ordered  to  be  at  four  o'clock.  They 
sat  at  the  Hustings.  Sheriffs  in  their  Gold  Chains  man- 
aged the  Election.  Common  Sergeant  [counsel  of  the 
Mayor  and  Aldermen]  made  a  speech.  When  the  People 
cry'd,  a  Hall,  a  Hall,  the  Aldermen  came  up  two  by  two, 
the  Mace  carried  before  them,  came  in  at  the  dore  opposite 
to  the  Street  dore  out  of  another  apartment.  I  stood  in 
the  Clock-Gallery. 

March  20.  Writt  to  Mr.  John  Richardson,  of  Bristow, 
to  send  me  Mr.  Sergeant's  and  my  Account,  and  that  I 
would  however  pay  my  own.  Fear  [I]  shall  never  hear 
of  Nath.  Man,  or  the  Fidelity  ^  any  more. 

March  25.  Writt  to  Mr.  Brown  inclosing  Mrs.  Sarah 
Woodward's  original  Receipt  by  Bant,  Copy  by  Lason. 
Writt  by  Lason  to  Mr.  Torry.  Mr.  Higginson  inclosing 
Mr.  Whitfield's  Papers. 

March  28,  To  my  Wife,  inclosing  Mr.  Henry  Hatsel's  2! 
Receipt.  27  To  Mother  Hull,  with  a  Case  of  Spectacles, 
Shagreen. 

April  20,  1689.  Writt  to  Mrs.  Mary  Batter  by  Bant. 
Shipped  a  Duz.  Silver  Spoons  of  Mr.  Samuel  Layfield, 
Cost  £5.13.3.  Recieved  of  Cous.  Nath!  Dummer  for  your 
account  £5.16.3.  freight,  5.8,  so  will  be  somewhat  more 
than  I  have  in  my  hands. 

April  20.     Writt  to  Cous.  Nath.  inclosing  Cous.  Nath.'s 

1  We  cannot  explain  this  word,  "  fatal."  The  parties  to  the  contest  were 
Sir  Thomas  Pilkington,  who  was  elected  in  1689;  Sir  Thomas  Stamp,  mayor 
in  1692;  Sir  Jonathan  Raymond;  and  probably  Sir  John  Moore,  who  had 
been  mayor  in  1682,  or  some  relative  of  his.  Sir  John  Moore  had  been  mayor 
in  1682.  In  that  year  there  was  a  severe  struggle  at  the  election  of  sheriffs. 
Kennet  says:  "  This  great  struggle  put  the  court  upon  considering,  and  in  a 
manner  resolving,  to  take  away  the  election  of  sheriffs  out  of  the  power  of 
the  City;  and  no  other  expedient  could  be  found  but  by  taking  away  their 
Charter."  This  may  account  for  the  epithet  "fatal"  attached  to  Sir  J. 
Moore's  name.  —  Eds. 

2  On  which  vessel  Sewall  probably  had  property.  —  Eds. 


250  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1689. 

Bill  for  Mrs.  Batter's  Spoons  by  Bant.  April  20.  Went 
on  foot  to  Hackney  through  Brick-Lane,  about  ^  a  mile 
long,  and  dined  with  Mr.  Tho.  Glover  his  Son,  Read, 
Thompson,  their  wives,  Mr.  French,  and  several  Grand- 
children. Eat  part  of  two  Lobsters  that  cost  3.9*^  apiece, 
7' :  6^  both. 

[The  following  entries  are  on  a  fly-leaf  of  the  English  journal :] 

April  20,  1689.  Mr.  Thomas  Gooding  would  be  glad 
to  see  me  at  Piiior. 

Disposal  of  Revolution,  the  Duz.  [dozen]  Capt.  Hutchin- 
son deliver'd  me  this  day,  July  3. 1689  [when  in  London]. 


} '■ 


To  Dr.  Anesley One. 

To  Mr.  Layfield One. 

To  Cousin  Allen 1. 

To  Mr.  Gilbert  of  Oxf. 
and  Mr.  Dauson 

To  Dr.  Grew  of  Coventry     ....         1. 

To  Mrs.  Tuckey,  ^V'arwick 1. 

To  Madam  Horsman 1. 

Piccadilly 

To  Mr.  Goldwire,  Baddesly,  Hampshire 1. 

ToMr.  Alsop 1. 

Keep  one  for  my  self 1. 

To  Dr.  Nehemiah  Grew 1. 

To  Mr.  Goodwin 1. 

To  Cousin  Tho.  Dumer,  Portsm*' 1. 

April  24.  Writt  to  Dr.  Grew,  inclosing  my  Psalm-Book, 
in  Turkey-Leather,  and  4  of  Mr.  Cotton  Mather's  Sermons.^ 
Paid  Cous.  Hulls  Bookseller  in  full,  15.6.  and  2^  for  Past- 
ing and  Cover  of  my  Gazetts.     Went  this  day  to  White- 

^  Up  to  this  time,  Cotton  Mather  had  published  but  four  sermons;  viz., 
two  in  1686,  one  each  in  1687  and  1688.  The  latter  two  were  "  Right 
Thoughts  in  Sad  Hours:  on  the  death  of  a  First-Born,"  and  "  Early  Piety 
exemplified  in  the  Life  of  his  Bi'other,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Mather,  with  Several 
Sermons. "   Probably  the  latter  was  the  one  which  Sewall  distributed.  —  Eds. 


1689.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  251 

Hall  to  attend  the  Earl  of  Shrewsbury  about  New  England : 
are  referred  to  Friday  next. 

April  23.  With  Mr.  Mather  waited  on  the  Lord  Whar- 
ton,' and  Sir  Edward  Harly. 

London,  April  26,  1689. 

Honoured  Sie,  Hat  in  Hand,^  &c,  Necessity  puts  men  upon  hard 
Shifts  to  find  out  some  pretence  or  other  for  making  their  addresses 
to  those  from  whom  they  may  expect  relief.  There  was  Capt.  John 
Hull,  of  Boston  in  N.  E.,  with  whom  in  his  life-time  you  had  some 
Correspondence  by  way  of  Merchandize.  He  died  in  Sept.  1683, 
leaving  a  Widow  and  a  Daughter,  who  is  my  wife ;  by  whom  I  had 
an  Estate  that  might  afford  a  competent  Subsistence  according  to 
our  manner  of  living  in  N.  E.  But  since  the  vacating  of  the  Char- 
ter, and  erecting  a  Government  by  Commission,  the  Title  we  have  to 
our  Lands  has  been  greatly  defamed  and  undervalued ;  which  has 
been  greatly  prejudicial  to  the  Inhabitants,  because  their  Lands,  which 
were  formerly  the  best  part  of  their  Estate,  became  of  very  little 
value,  and  consequently  the  Owners  of  very  little  Credit.  Sir,  I  am 
glad  that  you  are  returned  again  to  England,  to  your  Country,  Pos- 
sessions, and  dear  Relations,  and  to  a  Seat  in  Parliament.  I  hope 
your  former  Distresses  will  help  you  to  sympathise  with  others  in  the 
like  condition.  I,  and  several  besides  me,  are  here  far  removed  from 
our  Wives  and  Children,  and  have  little  heart  to  goe  home  before 
some  comfortable  settlement  obtained,  whereby  we  might  be  secured 
in  the  Possession  of  our  Religion,  Liberty  and  Property.  I  am  in- 
formed some  favorable  Votes  have  been  passed  in  the  House  of  Com- 
mons, wherein  N.  E.  was  mentioned.  I  intreat  your  forwarding  of 
such  Votes  as  you  have  Opportunity,  in  doing  which  you  will  be  a 
Partner  with  God,  Who  is  wont  to  be  concerned  in  relieving  the 
Oppressed.  I  shall  not  take  up  more  of  your  time  from  your  mo- 
mentous Employments.  My  hearty  Service  presented  to  you,  I  take 
leave,  who  am.  Sir,  your  humble  Servant, 

Sam.  Sewall. 


1  This  was  Philip,  Lord  Wharton,  a  staunch  friend  to  New  England, 
'*  renowned  as  a  distributor  of  Calvinistic  tracts  and  a  patron  of  Calvinistic 
divines,"  father  of  the  notorious  'Thomas,  Earl  and  Marquis  of  Wharton.  — 
Eds. 

2  Under  date  of  August  8  following,  Sewall  says  he  is  "  with  Mr.  Edward 
Hull  [his  cousin],  at  the  Hat  in  Hand,  &c."  This  may  have  been  either  the 
shop  sign  of  a  hatter  or  a  dealer  in  peltries,  or  it  may  have  marked  a  coffee- 
house.—  Eds. 


252  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1689. 

Above  is  Copy  of  my  Letter  to  Tho-  Papillon,  Esq.^ 

April  25.  Writt  to  my  Unkle  Ste.  Dummer.  Sent  the 
News  of  yesterday's  Acts.  Sent  John  Heifford  and  Mr. 
Taylor's  Letters. 

April  27.  Mr.  Dauson  introduced  me,  and  I  visited 
Mrs.  Beck,  Mr.  Dauche's  Daughter,  and  her  daughter,  and 
Madam  Horsman,  formerly  Di^lcibella  Dunch,  and  her 
daughter,  near  fifteen  years  old  :  hath  also  a  Son,  and 
buried  two  Children.  Hath  been  a  widow  above  ten 
years.  Lives  in  John's  Street  in  Piccadilly  near  Jacob's 
Well. 

April  29.  went  to  Greenwich  with  Mr.  Mather,  Whiting, 
Brattle,  Namesake  :  Supped  at  the  Bear.  Went  through 
the  Park  to  Mr.  John  Flamsted's,  who  shewed  us  his  In- 
struments for  Observation,  and  Observed  before  us,  and 
let  us  look  and  view  the  Stars  through  his  Glasses. 

April  30.  Come  to  Deptford,  where  breakfast  with 
Cheescakes  :  from  thence  to  Redriff  upon  the  River's 
Bank,  w^here  Dr.  Avery's  Cousin  had  us  to  a  Gentleman 
who  showed  us  many  Rarities,  as  to  Coins,  Medals,  Natu- 
ral and  artificial  things :  from  thence  by  water  to  Tower- 
Stairs,  about  10  o'clock. 

1  Thomas  Papillon,  M.  P.  This  gentleman  can  hardly  be  other  than  the 
eminent  merchant  of  London,  recorded  in  Burke's  "  Landed  Gentry."  He 
was  son  of  David  P.,  of  Lubenham,  county  Leicester,  grandson  of  Thomas  P., 
a  Frenchman  by  birth,  and  a  Huguenot  refugee.  The  Thomas  of  the  text 
was  a  member  of  several  Parliaments  from  Dover  and  London.  We  presume 
he  also  sat  for  l^ew  Romney,  as  one  of  the  Barons  of  the  Cinque  Ports.  He 
died  in  1702,  leaving  a  son  Philip,  M.  P.  for  Dover,  who  died  in  1736.  A 
son  of  the  latter  was  David  Papillon,  born  1691,  died  1762,  from  whom  are 
descended  the  Papillons  of  Acrisse,  county  Kent. 

Peter  Papillon  was  of  Boston,  says  Savage,  in  1679,  and  in  1722  had  com- 
mand of  a  ship  employed  against  pirates  on  the  coast.  An  injudicious  refer- 
ence to  him  caused  the  prosecution  of  James  Franklin  and  the  suspension  of 
the  "  New  England  Courant." 

He  had  a  son  Peter,  born  March,  1681,  who  died  in  1733,  leaving  a  large 
estate  and  a  widow,  Catherine,  who  died  before  Aug.  13,  1735.  John  Wol- 
cott,  of  Salem,  and  George  Gibbs  were  sons-in-law,  and  the  daughters  Kath- 
eriue,  Martha,  and  Mary  were  probably  the  only  heirs.  Yet  a  Benjamin  P 
was  one  of  the  subscribers  to  Prince's  "  Chronology  "  in  1736.  — Eds. 


1689.]  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  253 

April  29.  In  the  morn  saw  the  Westminster  Scholars ; 
3  of  them  made  Orations  in  Hebrew,  Greek,  Latin,  before 
the  Dean  and  Delegates.  Cambridge  Delegates  sat  now 
on  the  right  hand,  for  they  take  tmms.  Sub-Dean  also 
had  an  Epistle  ;  as  did  the  Dean  and  Delegates.  The  grave 
Dr.  Busby  sat  by. 

April  30.  Queen's  Birth-Day.  Streamers,  Flaggs,  Guns. 
Writ  to  Mrs.  Dulcibella  Horsman,  inclosed  Mr.  Cotton 
Mather's  Sermons  bound  up  in  good  Calv's  Leather. 
Hat  in  Hand,  &c.  Spent  4.3*^  apiece  in  going  to  Green- 
wich. 

May  the  2'^  went  with  Capt.  Hutchinson,  and  saw  the 
Crown,  Scepter,  Armory,  Mint,  (none  to  see  the  Milling) 
Lions,  Leopard.  Visited  Dr.  Annesly.  He  entertained 
us  standing  in  the  Garden,  we  went  not  into  the  house ; 
carried  Mr.  Mather's  Letter  with  us.  April  [May?]  3. 
went  to  White-Hall,  are  referred  till  Monday.  Went  to 
the  Glasshouse  and  visited  Mr.  Harwood  in  Prescot  Street, 
Goodman's  Fields.     His  wife  speaks  French. 

May  2.  writt  to  Unkle  Richard  Dummer,  transcribed 
Copenhagen. 

May  3.  went  to  the  end  of  South wark  toward  Ne wing- 
ton  Butts  ;  as  returned  went  into  St.  Mary  Overies,  saw 
the  monument  of  Lockier,^  who  died  1672,  in  the  12^  year 
of  his  age. 

Sabbath,  May  5, 1689.  Went  to  Dr.  Annesly's^  in  httle 
St.  Helena's,  with  Capt.  Hutchinson,  where  the  Lord's 
Supper  was  administered.  The  Dr.  went  all  over  the 
Meeting  first,  to  see  who  was  there,  then  spake  something 
ol:  the  Sermon,  then  read  the  words  of  Institution,  then 


^  One  of  the  couplets  in  the  inscription  on  Lockyer's  monument  is  the 
following :  — 

"  His  virtues  and  his  pills  are  so  well  known, 
That  envy  can't  confine  them  under  stone."  —  Eds. 

*  Dr.  Samuel  Annesley,  noted  among  the  ejected  ministers.     He  died  in 
1696.— Eds. 


254  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1689. 

prayed  and  eat  and  drunk  himself,  then  gave  to  every  one 
with  his  own  Hand,  droping  pertinent  Expressions.  In 
our  Pue  said  —  Now  our  Spikenard  should  give  its  smell ; 
and  said  to  me,  Remember  the  Death  of  Christ.  The 
Wine  was  in  quart  Glass  Bottles.  The  Deacon  followed 
the  Dr.,  and  when  his  Cup  was^  empty  filled  it  again  :  as 
at  our  Pue  all  had  drunk  but  I,  he  filled  the  Cup  and  then 
gave  it  me ;  said,  as  he  gave  it  —  must  be  ready  in  new 
Obedience,  and  stick  at  nothing  for  Christ. 

Tuesday,  May  7*.^  went  to  Windsor,  8*.^  Eaton,  Hampton 
Court,  and  so  home. 

Thursday,  May  9,  went  to  H.  Court,  to  wait  on  the 
King  and  Council.  Mr.  Mather  not  there  :  ^  said  he  was 
feverish,  yet  I  perceive  was  at  Change.  Sir  Rob*  Sawyer 
spake  of  the  Quo  Warranto  in  Charles  the  First's  time, 
and  supposed  we  had  no  Charter  :  asked  if  any  had  seen 
it.  I  said  I  had  seen  a  Duplicate.  Dr.  Cox  craved  Day  ; 
so  are  to  appear  agen  next  Thorsday,  and  just  as  we 
were  going  out,  by  Sawyer's  means  were  called  back,  and 
then  he  spake  of  the  Quo- Warranto  for  Misdemeanors, 
and  we  are  ordered  to  attend  the  Attorney  General  with 
our  Charter.  As  we  came  home  were  entertained  by  Mr. 
Stephen  Mason  with  Cider,  Ale,  Oysters  and  a  Neat's 
Tongue,  being  ten  of  us,  or  11.  This  house  is  at  Clap- 
ham,  wherein  Col.  Bathe  did  dwell. 

May  10,  writt  to  Mr.  John  Richardson  of  Bristow,  that 
had  paid  Mr.  Ive,  £10.16.7,  for  owners  of  Fidelity  and 
£10.6.0,  for  my  own  proper  account,  as  also,  £1.6.3,  for 
Mr.  Peter  Sergeant's  proper  account  —  £22.08.10.  If  any 
vessel  get  away  from  Bristow,  give  me  a  hint  of  it.     If 


^  Increase  Mather  had  been  in  England  for  a  year,  seeking,  first  from 
James  and  then  from  William,  a  restoration  of  the  Massachusetts  charter. 
The  reader  is  referred  to  the  preface  of  the  second  volume  of  the  Andres 
*'  Tracts  "  (Prince  Society,  Boston,  1869)  for  a  detailed  account  of  Mather's 
proceedings.  We  know  that  on  the  26th  of  February,  1688-89,  and  on  the 
14th  of  March,  he  had  interviews  with  King  William.  — Eds. 


1689.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  255 

any  happen  to  goe  before  you  can  send  to  me,  tell  Mr.  Ser- 
geant his  N.  E.  friends  and  I  were  well  this  day. 

Satterday,  May  ll*^  Declaration  of  War  against  France 
comes  out. 

Sabbath,  May  12,  Capt.  Hutchinson  and  I  watched  with 
Mr.  Wharton  at  his  Sister  Pack's  in  Kirby  Street,  Hat- 
ten  Garden.  Monday  morn,  May  13,  heard  Mr.  Kead 
preach. 

Tuesday,  May  14'^,  Mr.  Richard  Wharton  dyes  about 
10  post  merid}  He  rid  to  Town  the  Wednesday  before  in 
order  to  goe  to  Hampton-Court  last  Thorsday.  Monday, 
May  6,  was  at  Westminster  pleading  against  Mr.  Blath- 
wayt,  in  behalf  of  N.  E.  Mr.  Brattle  and  I  came  down  by 
water  with  him.  Wednesday,  May  15,  went  and  dined 
with  Fish  at  Capt.  Kelly's  upon  Mr.  Partrige's  Invitation. 
Capt.  Hutchinson,  Clark,  Appleton,  Brattle,  Hull,  in  com- 
pany. Went  to  a  Garden  at  Mile  End  and  drunk  Currant 
and  Rasberry  Wine,  then  to  the  Dog  and  Partrige's,  and 
plaid  Nine  Pins.  At  the  house  a  Souldier  was  shot  by  his 
drunken  companion  the  night  before.  Sir  Samuel  Dash- 
wood  has  by  the  Poll  1000  and  odd,  and  Sir  W?  Ashurst 
]700  and  odd,  for  a  Citizen  to  sit  in  Parliament.  Mr. 
Perry  has  a  new  maid  come,  called  Anne,  from  Chichester. 

Thorsday,  May  16,  went  to  the  Old  Bailey,  the  Court 
was  holden  by  Pilkinton,  Mayor,  Lord  Chief  Justice  Holt, 
Lord  Chief  Justice  Pollixfen,  Chief  Baron  Atkins,  and  7 
more  Judges.  Sat  till  3  o'clock,  in  which  time  the  London 
Jury  returned  and  brought  in  four  Verdicts,  which  they 
were  charged  with  at  once. 

1  IMr.  Wharton  was  of  Boston,  and  married  Bethia  Tyng  and  Sarah  Hig- 
ginson.  He  was  largely  interested  in  the  Pejepscot  purchase,  but  died  poor, 
as  his  brother-in-law,  John  Higginson,  wrote  (Mass.  Hist.  Soc.  Coll.,  3d 
ser.,  VII.  198).  He  was  of  Andros's  Council,  but  opposed  him,  and  thus 
was  visiting  London  at  this  time- 
It  may  be  mentioned  that  he  used  a  seal  bearing  the  arms  of  the  Whartons 
of  Yorkshire,  a  branch  of  which  family  was  ennobled,  as  before  noted.  — 
Eds 


256  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1689. 

May  18,  goe  to  Hampton  Court  in  company  of  Capt. 
Hutchinson  and  Jo.  Appleton ;  Mr.  Mather,  Sir  Sam.  Tom- 
son,  Mr.  Whiting,  and  Mr.  Joseph  Tomson  ridd  in  another 
Coach.  Cost  21^  apiece,  besides  money  to  the  Drivers. 
Were  dismissed  siiie  Die.  Mr.  Ward  and  Hook  our  Coun- 
cil. Entertain  Mr.  Humphrys  too.  Just  now  about  a 
virulent  Libel '  comes  out  against  N.  E.,  the  day  Mr.  Whar- 
ton was  buried. 

Monday,  May  20.  Meet  to  answer  the  Print,  and  in 
the  evening  another  accosts  us,  called  an  abstract  of  our 
repugnant  Laws,  full  of  Untruths  almost  as  the  former. 
To  comfort  me  when  got  home,  met  with  a  Letter  from 
my  dear  Brother,  by  the  way  of  Bilbao,  dated  the  12 
March  ;  all  friends  and  my  wife  and  Children  well,  but 
New  England  bleeding. 

May  21,  writt  to  Mr.  Flavell  of  our  N.  E.  Affairs.  Writt 
of  the  20*^  to  Cousin  Bean  and  Cous.  Nath.  Enclosed  in 
a  packet  ^  Hundred  of  Mr.  Cotton  Mather's  funeral  Ser- 
mons. 

May  22.  writt  to  Uncle  Nath.  to  tell  him  of  my  Broth- 
er's Letter  from  N.  E.,  dated  March  12,  and  of  the  Ser- 
mons sent  to  be  left  at  Cousin  Bean's  per  Waldern.  Cous. 
Nath,  give  him  two. 

May  23.  Green  Goose  Fair.  Agreed  to  pay,  as  Cous. 
Hull  does,  for  being  trimmed  by  the  Quarter.  Begin  to- 
day. 

Monday,  May  27.  Saw  the  Dutch  Embassadors  make 
their  public  Entrance.  Came  up  through  Crouched  Fri- 
ars, were  about  50  Coaches,  with  Six  Horses  apiece,  besides 
Pages  on  foot,  and  youths  on  Horsback.  The  main  streets 
thwacked  with  people,  and  yet  little  miss  of  people  in  Fen- 
Church  and  Lumbard  Streets. 


1  This  was  doubtless  the  pamphlet  called  "  Considerations,"  &c.,  to  show 
that  the  charters  of  the  colonies  were  taken  away  for  good  cause,  which  is 
printed  in  the  third  volume  of  the  "Andros  Tracts."  Mather  wrote  a 
rejoinder.  —  Eds. 


1689.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEVVALL.  257 

May  30*^  went  to  the  Funeral  of  Mr.  Agust/  Non-conf. 
Minister,  who  used  to  preach  on  the  Sabbath  where  Mr. 
Alsop^  keeps  his  Lecture.  Hath  left  some  Thousands  to  a 
little  Daughter  of  2  or  3  years  old.  Buried  at  St.  Giles' 
Church  from  the  3  Compasses,  Kirby  Street,  Ilatten  Gar- 
den, Dr.  Gilbert  principal  Bearer. 

May  31.  Went  to  Mr.  Papillon  to  speak  to  him  in  be- 
half of  N.  E.,  who  entertains  me  candidly,  and  promises 
to  promote  our  Interest,  and  would  have  me  take  off  [dis- 
suade] those  who  may  think  contrarily.  May  31.  Is  a 
Fast  kept  at  Dr.  Annesly's :  they  began  with  singing  and 
sang  4  or  5  times.  After  all,  had  a  Contribution.  When 
came  home,  found  a  Letter  from  Cousin  Quinsey,  giving 
an  account  of  the  Health  of  my  Wife,  Children  and 
friends,  on  the  26  March.  Came  by  Woodbery  from 
Bristow.  Five  Ministers  exercised,  Mr.  Kentish,  Dr. 
Annesly,  Mr.  Sclater,  Mr.  Franklin,  Mr.  Williams  [all 
probably  ejected  ministers].  Four  first  wear  their  own 
Hair. 

June  1.  Writt  to  Cous.  Hull  for  the  last  at  Portsmouth. 
Writt  to  Unkle  Stephen  Dummer  acquainting  him  with 
our  friends  welfare,  March  26. 

June  3,  1689.  Capt.  Hutchinson,  Mr.  Brattle  and  1 
went  to  Newington  to  visit  Mr.  Saltonstall,  at  his  son-in- 
law  Horsey's.  I  gave  him  two  of  Mr.  Cotton  Mather's 
Sermons.  As  came  home  saw  one  Elisabeth  Nash,  born 
at  Enfield,  about  25  Years  old,  just  about  Three  foot  high, 
not  the  breadth  of  my  little  finger  under  or  over.  Her 
Hands  show  Age  more  than  anything  else.  Has  no  Brests. 
By  reason  of  her  thickness  and  weight  can  goe  but  very 
sorrily.     Can  speak  and  sing  but  not  very  conveniently, 


1  Probably  Benjamin  Agus,  an  ejected  minister.  He  "wrote  an  hand- 
some sheet,"  in  vindication  of  Non-conformity.  — Eds. 

2  Mr.  Vincent  Alsop,  an  ejected  minister,  "preached  once  in  the  Lord's 
Day,  and  had  a  Thursday  Lecture,  and  was  one  of  the  six  Lecturers  at  Pin- 
ner's Hall."— Eds. 

17 


258  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1689. 

because  her  Tongue  is  bigger  than  can  be  well  stowed  in 
her  Mouth.  Blessed  be  God  for  my  Stature,  unto  which 
neither  I,  nor  my  Dear  Mother,  my  Nurse,  could  add  one 
Cubit. 

June  4.  Green  Hastings,  i.  e.  Pease,  are  cry'd  at  6'^  a 
Peck,  in  little  carts.  Cous.  Hull,  Mrs.  Perry  and  Bedford 
come  from  Portsmouth.  I  meet  them  at  the  Cross  Keys 
in  Gracious  Street. 

June  10*^  Gave  the  Ch.  Wardens  of  Cree-church,  for 
the  relief  of  the  Protestants  of  Ireland,  four  Crowns  — 
£1.0.0.  Writt  to  Richard  Cornish  copies  of  Mr.  Tho. 
Read's  Bonds,  and  the  Affidavit  by  Bant,  for  fear  of  mis- 
carriage, that  so  he  might  understand  how  his  business 
lay  and  not  be  cheated  out  of  his  Money  by  his  Unkle. 
Cousin  Robert  x^ndrews  brings  me  a  Letter  from  my 
Cousin  of  Swathling,  his  Mother-in-Law.  Dines  with  us 
on  a  good  Line  of  Yeal  and  Strawberries. 

June  11.  Green  Hastings  are  cry'd  for  a  Groat  [four- 
pence]  a  peck. 

June  12.  Went  and  dined  with  Cous.  Allen,  with  Beans, 
Bacon,  and  a  very  good  Line  Yeal  roasted.  Beans  5*^  a 
Quart.  Cous.  Sarah  played  on  her  Flute.  Cous.  Atwell 
sings  well. 

June  13.  Last  night  dreamed  of  Mr.  Adams.  We  sign 
a  Petition  for  leave  to  goe  home.  Write  to  Unkle  Dum- 
mer  to  tell  him  he  must  come  up  to  London,  if  he  will 
make  a  Letter  of  Attorney  for  N.  England. 

June  15.  Being  at  Mrs.  Calvin's  alone  in  a  Chamber, 
while  they  were  getting  ready  dinner,  I,  as  I  walked 
about,  began  to  crave  a  Blessing,  and  when  went  about 
it  remembered  my  Cloaths  I  had  bought  just  before,  and 
then  it  came  into  my  mind  that  it  was  most  material  to 
ask  a  blessing  on  my  Person  :  so  I  mentally  pray'd  God 
to  bless  my  Flesh,  Bones,  Blood  and  Spirits,  Meat,  Drink 
and  Aparrel.  And  at  Dinner,  paring  the  Crust  of  my 
Bread,  I  cut  my  Thumb,  and  spilt  some  of  my  Blood, 


1689.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  259 

which  word  I  very  unusually,  or  never  before,  have  used 
in  prayer  to  my  present  remembrance. 

June  16.  Last  night  I  dreamed  of  my  Wife,  and  of 
Father  Hull,  that  he  had  buried  somebody,  and  was  pres- 
ently intending  to  goe  to  Salem. 

June  20*^  Writ  to  Cousin  Stoeke,  answering  his  of  the 
10*^  inst.  Last  Sabbath  day  night  dreamed  of  the  death 
of  my  dear  Wife,  which  made  me  very  heavy. 

June  20.  Went  to  hear  Mr.  Alsop,  where,  in  the  utter 
[outer}  part  I  saw  Madam  Horsman,  who  spake  very 
kindly  to  me.  About  10,  mane,  I  visited  Mr.  Nathan! 
Mather,  who  lives  now  in  Fan[Fen]-Church  Street.  Betty 
Ward  and  her  husband  visit  us  June  24.  Eat  and  drink  at 
the  3  Tuns.     Mr.  Burfort  visits  us. 

June  25.  The  Statue  of  Edward  the  first  is  set  up  on 
the  Royal  Exchange.     See  Mr.  Lake. 

Wednesday,  June  26.  Mr.  Mather,  his  Son,  Cousin 
Hull  and  self,  set  out  for  Cambridge,  45  miles  :  got 
thither  by  7  o'clock,  with  one  set  4  Horses.  Lay  at  the 
Red  Lion  in  Petit  Curie. 

Thorsday,  June  27,  Mr.  Littel,  Fellow  of  Emanuel  Col- 
ledge,  shows  us  the  Gardens,  Walks,  New  Chapel,  Gallery, 
Library  of  the  Colledge,  in  it  a  Bible  MS.  of  Wickliife's 
Translation.  Mr.  John  Cotton  and  Hooker  had  been  Fel- 
lows, as  appeared  by  Tables  hanging  up.  Dr.  Preston, 
Head  of  it.  The  Street  where  it  stands  is  called  Preach- 
er's Street,  from  Black  Friars  formerly  resident  there. 
Note.  Said  Fellow  had  in 's  Chamber,  Sir  Roger  Le  Strange, 
Jesus  Salvator  and  K.  Charles,  2"^,  hanging  up  together. 
Saw  St.  John's  CoUedg,  which  stands  by  the  River.  Hath 
a  good  Library  and  many  Rarities,  among  which  was  a 
petrified  Cheese,  being  about  half  a  Cheese.  Trinity 
Colledge  is  very  large,  and  the  new  Case  for  the  Library 
very  magnificent,  paved  with  marble  checkered  black  and 
white  ;  under,  stately  walk  on  brave  stone ;  the  Square 
very  large,  and  in  midst  of  it  a  Fountain.     In  the  Hall 


260  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1689. 

many  Sparrows  inhabit,  wliich  is  not  knoAvn  of  any  Hall 
beside.  At  meal-Times  they  feed  of  Crums,  and  will  ap- 
proach very  near  Men.  King's  Colledge  Chapel  is  very 
stately.  Went  on  the  top  of  the  inward  Stone  Roof,  and 
on  the  top  of  the  outward  Lead-Roof,  and  saw  the  Town, 
and  Ely  about  10  miles  off.  Below,  on  the  side,  under 
little  Arches,  is  the  Library.  Mr.  Littel  dined  with  us  at 
our  Lm  :  had  a  Legg  Mutton  boiled  and  Colly-Flowers, 
Carrets,  Rosted  Fowls,  and  a  dish  of  Pease.  Three  Musi- 
cians came  in,  two  Harps  and  a  Violin,  and  gave  us  Mu- 
sick.  View  the  Publick  Library,  which  is  in  form  of  an  L, 
one  part  not  fil'd  with  books,  some  vacant  shelves  to  be- 
speak Benefactors.  Saw  the  Divinity  School  over  which 
the  Regent  House  is.  The  School  fair  and  large.  Public 
Acts  are  kept  in  St.  Marie's  Church,  over  against  which 
the  Schools  are.  Just  before  night  our  Landladie's  Son 
had  us  along  Bridge-Street,  and  shewed  us  Sidney-Colledg 
as  I  take  it,  and  be  sure  Magdalen  Colledg  on  the  other 
side  of  the  River,  on  which  side  there  is  none  but  that. 
Went  to  the  Castle-Hill,  where  is  a  very  pleasant  Prospect, 
the  Prison  and  Sessions  House  just  by,  which  is  very  or- 
dinary, like  a  Cow-House.  Cattell  having  free  egress  and 
regress  there.  Gallows  just  by  it  in  a  Dale,  convenient 
for  Spectators  to  stand  all  round  on  the  rising  Ground. 
Then  went  I  in  Trumpington  Street,  which  with  this 
makes  a  Most  of  the  Colled ges  stand  on  Trump- 

ington Street,  |  and  the  oldest  of  all,  Peter  House,  next 
to  Trumpington.  I  saw  the  Chapel  in  the  outside  of 
which  'tis  said  There  was  a  great  deal  of  Rome  in  a  little 
Chapel :  but  Mr.  Mompesson,  Cousin's  friend,  not  being 
within,  saw  not  the  Inside.  'Tis  a  small  Colledge.  St. 
Maries  is  a  fair  Church.  In  sum  Cambridge  is  better 
than  it  shows  for  at  first;  the  meanness  of  the  Town- 
buildings,  and  most  of  the  Colledges  being  Brick. 

June  28.    Mr.  Harwood  and  I  step'd  out  and  saw  Queen's 
Colledge,  which  is  a  very  good  one,  in  the  Garden  a  Dial 


1689.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  261 

on  the  Ground,  Hours  cut  in  Box.  The  River  has  there 
also  a  quicker  Stream,  being  a  httle  below  the  Mill :  have 
several  Bridges  to  go  over  to  their  Groves.  Over  against 
it  stands  Katherine  Hall,  the  New  Buildings  of  which  are 
some  of  the  goodliest  in  Cambridge.  By  it,  the  Printing 
Room,  which  is  about  60  foot  long  and  20  foot  broad. 
Six  Presses.  Had  my  Cousin  Hull  and  my  name  printed 
there.  Paper  windows,  and  a  pleasant  Garden  along  one 
side  between  Katherine  Hall  and  that.  Had  there  a  Print 
of  the  Combinations.  As  came  Homewards,  saw  Audley 
Inn,  or  End.  I  can't  tell  which  is  the  right  name.  'Tis 
a  stately  Palace.  Din'd  at  Safron-Walden  :  went  out  and 
saw  the  Safron  Roots,  which  are  Ten  Shillings  a  Bushel, 
about  an  Acre  might  yield  an  hundred  pounds  and  more. 
Were  just  dugg  up  to  be  planted  at  Abington,  a  little 
place  not  far  off.  Have  a  fair  Church.  I  writt  out  the 
Lord  Audley's  Epitaph.  Went  into  the  Vault  and  saw 
the  Earl  of  Suffolk's  Coffin,  who  died  January  last :  stands 
on  Tressels,  and  may  see  it  in  the  outside  at  the  Grate. 
Outside  is  black  Velvet,  and  a  small  plate  of  Coper,  telling 
time  of  's  Death  :  rest  is  garnish'd.  Lodg'd  at  Hockerred, 
pertaining  to  Bishop-Stafford.  In  the  even,  Mr.  Sam. 
Mather  and  I  viewed  Trisday's  Well  and  Castle  Hill. 
Set  out  on  Satterday,  about  4  mane,  breakfasted  at  Eping. 
Got  to  Mr.  Croper's  about  Eleven  aclock.  He  keeps  a 
Coffee  House.  While  Mr.  Mather  read  the  Votes  I  took 
Thorsdays  Letter  and  read  the  News  of  Boston,  and  then 
gave  it  Mr.  Mather  to  read.  We  were  surpris'd  with  joy. 
At  Change  Capt.  Hutchinson  shew'd  me  Capt.  Byfield's 
Letter,  which  comes  by  Toogood.  They  had  the  News  on 
Change  that  day  we  went  to  Cambridge.^ 

July  1.     Writt  to  Cousin  John  Burner  by  Walden,  the 

^  The  joyful  news  was,  of  course,  the  revolution  at  Boston  and  the  down- 
fall of  Andros.  Nathaniel  Byfield's  account  thereof  was  licensed  June  27, 
1689,  and  printed  at  once  by  Ric.  Chiswell,  in  London.  It  is  printed  in 
"Andros  Tracts,"  Vol.  I. —  Eds. 


262  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL. 

Waggoner,  inclosing  four  of  the  N.  E.  Kevolutions  ;  one 
to  Winchester,  one  to  Bishop-Stoke,  one  to  Southhampton, 
and  one  to  Rumsey.  Paid  him  a  Groat.  They  come  out 
pubhckly  this  day,  by  the  Hawkers. 

London,  July,  2.  1689. 

Hon'd  Sir,  I  have  just  now  read  the  noble  Petition  of  the  Citi 
zens  of  London,  in  the  Coinon  Hall  assembled,  the  24*''  past,  whereby 
I  hope  the  honorable  Comons  of  England  will  be  effectually  moved 
to  expedite  the  Bill  for  restoring  Corporations  to  their  Ancient 
Rights  and  Priviledges,  in  doing  which  I  am  very  glad  that  yourself 
is  so  ready  to  bear  a  part.  I  have  met  with  a  Letter  written  to  the 
Queen  when  Princess  of  Orange,  in  behalf  of  New  England,  which  I 
intreat  yourself  and  Lady  to  accept  of,  from.  Sir,  your  humble  Ser- 
vant, S.  S. 

To  Tho.  Papillox,  Esq. 

July  2,  1689.  Writt  to  Mr.  Zech.  Tuthill,  of  Yarmo  th. 
Thanked  him  and  his  Sister  for  their  good  Company  in  the 
America.  Enclosed  N.  E.  Revolution,  Guild  Hall  Petition, 
June  24,  and  8  of  Mr.  Kick's  Letters  to  the  Queen.  Send 
by  the  Coach,  Rich'd  Oakman.     1^  6"^ 

July  4,  1689.  Copy  of  a  Letter  to  Dr.  Obadia  Grew, 
at  Coventry. 

HoNouEED  Ai^T>  Dear  Sie,  My  Countrymen  and  dear  Friends  in 
New  England,  being  animated,  as  I  hope,  by  the  Spirit  of  Life  from 
God,  have  endeavour'd  to  write  after  your  Copy  here  in  England, 
which  I  counted  myself  oblig'd  to  give  you  an  account  of,  and  have 
accordingly  inclos'd  it,  earnestly  entreating  your  Prayers  that  God 
would  establish  the  work  of  their  hands  upon  them,  and  give  them 
Light  and  Direction  for  every  step  they  have  to  take.  We  have 
some  hopes  of  getting  home  before  winter.  The  dangers  of  the  Pas- 
sage are  now  multiplied.  I  crave  your  Remembrance  of  us  that  we 
may  be  preserved  from  them  all,  and  carried  securely  to  Boston,  or, 
however,  to  a  better  Haven,  if  that  be  denied,  even  to  Heaven,  which 
will  be  the  more  so  to  me  by  reason  of  meeting  yourself  there.  One 
of  our  New-England  Gentlemen  died  the  14*^  of  May  last,  here  in 
Town.  The  Survivors  are  in  good  health.  Pray,  Sir,  present  my 
Service  to  Mr.  Briant,  Mr.  Blower,  and  my  Namesake,  your  Assist- 
ant, to  Mr.  King  and  your  own  family.  Accept  the  same  to  your 
self  from  him  who  is  your  obliged  friend.     I  have  inclos'd  the  Noble 


1689.]  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  263 

Petition  of  the  Londoners,  the  answere  of  which  we  are  waiting  for, 
New  England  being  much  concern'd  in  't.  Inclosed  also  Mr.  Kick's 
Letter  to  the  Queen. 

Hat  in  hand,  Sam.  Sewall. 

Writt  yesterday  to  Dr.  Tho.  Gilbert  of  Oxford,  enclosing 
the  Print  of  N.  E.  Resurrection,  and  Mr.  Kick's  Letter. 

July  4,  Writt  to  Mrs.  Hannah  Tuckey,  of  Warwick,  en- 
closing a  Print  of  the  Revolution  in  New  England,  four 
of  Mr.  Cotton  Mather's  Sermons,  and  Mr.  Kick's  Letter 
to  the  Queen.^     Hat  in  hand. 

July  6,  '89. 
To  Mr.  Tho.  Goodwin, 

Sir,  Capt.  Brookhaven  did  a  pretty  while  since  signify  to  me  a 
desire  you  had  to  see  me  at  Pinor  [Pinner?],  which  is  to  me  very 
obliging,  who  am  a  Stranger  in  this  Land.  I  hope  before  my  return 
I  may  have  an  Oportunity  to  pay  you  a  Visit.  'Tis  little  is  here  to  be 
done,  and  yet  for  all  that  I  find  it  inconvenient  to  be  out  of  the  way, 
one  thing  or  other  presenting  of  a  sudden,  wherein  we  that  are  here 
count  it  our  Duty  if  we  can  in  anything  assist  Mr.  Mather.  I  have 
inclosed  a  printed  account  of  what  has  lately  hapend  in  New  England, 
which  I  would  fain  hope  is  their  Resurrection,  and  not  a  precluding 
of  it  only.  What  is  there  transacted  seems  to  be  well  resented  [re- 
garded] at  Court,  and  the  King  promises  to  doe  what  is  in  His  power 
towards  restoring  our  Liberties.  If  you  come  to  Town,  I  should  be 
glad  to  see  you  on  the  N.  E.  Walk,  or  at  my  Chamber.  Desiring 
your  Prayers  that  all  things  may  work  together  for  Good,  respect- 
ing N.  E.  and  me,  I  take  leave,  who  am,  Sir,  your  obliged  friend  and 
Servant,  S.  S. 

Hat  in  hand,  &c.     Peny  Post.^ 

June  5,  1689.  Cousin  Hull  comes  in  with  a  Counte- 
nance concern'd,  and  tells  me  sad  News  for  me,  which  was 


1  This  letter  from  Abraham  Kick  to  Queen  Mary  is  dated  Feb.  1,  1689. 
It  was  incorporated  into  the  "  Brief  Relation  of  the  State  of  New  England," 
which  Mather  published  soon  after  this  (licensed  July  30,  1689),  and  will  be 
found  in  the  first  volume  of  "  Andros  Tracts."  —  Eds. 

2  The  provision  for  a  complete  sj^stem  of  a  penny  post  was  not  made  by 
the  English  government  until  1711.  The  convenience  of  which  Sewall  availed 
himself  was  that  of  a  private  entei-prise,  devised  in  1682  by  an  upholsterer 
named  Murray,  who  soon  made  it  over  to  one  Dockwra.  —  Eds. 


264  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1089. 

that  had  rated  me  as  a  Merchant,  £10.0.0.  'Tis  inconven- 
ient, but  I  wish  I  hear  no  worse  news. 

June  7.  Goe  and  hear  Mr.  Stretton,  and  sit  down  with 
him  at  the  Lord's  Super.  He  invites  me  to  diner.  Text, 
Hosea,  2.  14.  Before  Sermon  read  the  32  Psahn,  the  50*^ 
of  Jeremiah,  the  12*^  of  Matthew.  Had  one  plate  of  bread, 
about  5  Bottles  of  Wine,  and  two  Silver  Cups.  At  night 
about  10  aclock,  a  great  fire  breaks  forth  in  Mincing  Lane. 
I  was  hardly  asleep  between  10  and  11,  before  there  was 
a  sad  Alarm  and  Noys  of  Carrs  to  carry  away  Goods.  A 
Woman  lately  brought  to  Bed  was  fain  to  be  remov'd  to 
another  House.  I  went  and  sat  a  little  while  with  Mr. 
Mather  in  Fan  [Fen]  Church  Street. 

July  8.  Went  with  Mr.  Brattle  and  swam  in  the 
Thames,  went  off  from  the  Temple  Stairs,  and  had  a 
Wherry  to  wait  on  us  :  I  went  in  in  my  Drawers.  I  think 
it  hath  been  healthfull  and  refreshing  to  me. 

July  9.  Cousin  Brattle,  his  wife  and  Daughter,  Mrs. 
Shinkfield,  Mr.  Grossman,  were  invited  to  Diner  by  Cous. 
Hull .  Afterward,  He  and  I  went  to  Stepney,  saw  Thomas 
Saffin's  Tomb/  one  end  of  't  joins  to  the  wall. 


1  Thomas  Baffin  was  the  son  of  John  Saffin,  of  Boston.     His  epitaph  is  as 
follows  (N.  E.  Hist,  and  Gen.  Register,  IV.  109):  — 

"  Here  Thomas  Saffin  lies  interred:  why? 
Born  in  New  England,  did  in  London  die; 
Was  the  third  son  of  eight,  begat  upon 
His  mother  Martha,  by  his  father  John: 
Much  favour'd  by  his  Prince,  he  'gan  to  be, 
But  nipt  by  death  at  the  age  of  twenty-three: 
Fatal  to  him  was  that  we  small-pox  name, 
By  which  his  mother  and  two  brethren  came 
Also  to  breathe  their  last,  nine  years  before, 
And  now  have  left  their  father  to  deplore 
The  loss  of  all  his  children  with  his  wife 
Who  was  the  joy  and  comfort  of  his  life. 

Deceased  June  18,  1687." 

This  epitaph  is  copied  and  commented  upon  in  the  "  Spectator,"  No.  518, 
for  Oct.  24,  1712.— Eds. 


1689.]  DIAKY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  265 

given  for  the  Ground.  Tis  a  very  large  burying-place 
Were  to  be  ten  buried  this  night :  we  saw  several  Graves 
open  and  the  Bones  thick  on  the  Top.  Saw  a  Bowling 
Green  where  is  3  or  4  Sets  of  Bowls.  The  Lord  help  me 
aright  to  improve  my  Flesh,  Bones  and  Spirits,  which  are 
so  soon  to  become  useless,  and  it  may  be  expos'd  in  one 
part  or  other  of  God's  Creation. 

"Wednesday,  July  10^^.  Between  12  and  1  it  grows 
very  dark,  thunder.  Lightening  and  Rain,  much  like  a 
N.  E.  Thunder  Shower :  but  the  Thunder  not  so  sharp. 

July  12.  This  day  two  stood  in  the  Pillory  before  the 
Royal  Exchange  for  speaking  against  the  Government. 
Shears  was  one.  They  were  exceedingly  pelted  with  dirt 
and  Eggs.  Another,  that  stood  for  forgery,  had  none 
thrown  at  him  that  I  took  notice  of.  Cousin  Hull  star- 
tled me  again  this  day  in  the  even,  saying  with  a  con- 
cern'd  Countenance,  there  was  bad  News  for  me,  which 
was,  that  my  Suit  of  Cloaths  was  in  danger  of  being  Moth- 
eaten.  Treated  John  Rawson  at  the  Clubb  to  day.  He 
belongs  to  the  Pearl  Frigot,  a  5^^  Rate,  30  odd  Guns. 

Monday,  July  15*^.  I  rid  to  Tyburn,  and  saw  Eighteen 
Persons,  16*  Men  and  2  Women,  fall.  They  were  unruly 
in  the  Prison,  which  hasten'd  the  Execution.  Din'd  in 
Great  Russell  Street,  view'd  the  House  and  Walks  of  Lord 
Montague  :  then  ridd  to  Hemsted.  Montague  House  makes 
a  goodly  Shew  that  way.  Hempsted  is  a  most  sweet  and 
pleasant  place  for  Air  and  shady  Groves.  Bought  the 
Gazett  there.  From  thence  ridd  to  Highgate,  which  is 
about  a  Mile.  There  drank  at  the  Crown,  and  then  came 
home  by  Islington.  Then  went  to  the  funeral  of  Mr. 
Loves,  formerly  an  Assistant  to  Dr.  Owen.  Was  buried 
in  a  Grave  near  the  Dr.'s  Tomb.  A  pretty  many  Men 
and  Women  there.  Was  carried  from  Armorers  Hall  in. 
Coleman  Street  to  the  new  burying  Ground. 

July  16.  Saw  London  Artillery  Company  pass  by  about 
2  aclock.     Most  had  Bu:ff  Cloaths  and  Feathers  in  their 


2(56  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1689. 

Hats.  Marched  5.  6.  7.  and  Eight  in  a  Rank.  The  Pikes. 
Had  Musick  besides  the  Drums. 

July  17.  Mr.  Mather,  on  Change,  told  Capt.  Hutchinson 
and  Sam.  Apleton  that  he  had  put  in  their  Names  as  Wit- 
nesses to  Sir  Edmund's  [Andros]  raising  Money  without 
an  Assembly.  Aske'd  where  was  Capt.  Hutchinson.  I 
shewed  and  went  with  him  to  him,  and  Mr.  Mather  ask'd 
him  to  be  at  Westminster  at  such  a  time,  but  said  not  a 
word  to  me.  Afterwards  I  went  home,  and  then  went  to 
Mr.  Whiting's  and  told  him  that  I  could  testify,  and  Mr. 
Walker  that  collected  the  Money  was  in  Town.  He  seem'd 
little  to  heed  it,  and  said  I  might  be  there  :  he  knew  not 
that  I  could  testify  :  but  he  seems  plainly  to  be  offended, 
and  for  my  part  I  can't  tell  for  what.  A  Moneth  or  two 
agoe  Mr.  Mather  spake  something  about  it,  and  I  said  I 
could  not  tell  whether  'twere  so  convenient  then,  because 
we  hop'd  every  day  for  the  Parliament  Act  to  come  forth, 
and  thought  Sir  Edmund  might  have  friends  there,  and 
such  a  thing  as  this  might  make  them  more  desperately 
eger  to  hinder  the  Bill.  But  now  the  Bill  is  even  de- 
spair'd  of,  and  our  friends  in  N.  E.  are  in  for  Cakes  and  Ale, 
and  we  must  doe  all  we  may  and  swim  or  sink  with  them. 

July  18,  1689.  Sent  Cousin  Mary  Atwell  one  of  Mr. 
Fla veil's  Books  to  Toothill,  a  place  about  7  miles  off,  where 
she  is  for  the  benefit  of  the  Aer.  Mrs.  Katharine  Norcott 
of  Hogsden,  widow,  makes  her  Will  on  March  11*^  1683. 
Prov'd  August  27,  1685.  Mr.  Tho.  Rowe,  John  Rowe, 
and  William  Rowe  are  Executors.  In  the  Will  is  this 
Clause.  —  Item,  To  my  dear  Kinswoman  Mrs.  Jane 
Poole,  in  Boston,  in  New  England,  five  pounds,  if  she  be 
living,  if  not,  I  give  it  unto  her  Son  Theophilus.^  —  Mr. 

1  Theophilus  Pool  was  probably  that  son  of  William  Pool  of  our  Dorches- 
ter, born  in  1660,  and  brother  of  the  Bethesda  Pool,  mentioned  ante,  p.  33. 

The  father  is  credited  with  being  the  founder,  with  his  sister  Elizabeth 
Pool,  of  our  Taunton. 

Savage  says  that  nothing  is  known  of  Theophilus,  but  his  brother  John 
was  a  prominent  merchant  of  Boston.  —  Eds. 


I 


1689.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  267 

Thomas  Eowe,  who  shewed  me  the  Will  and  executes  it, 
Hves  in  Ropemakers  Alley  in  Morefields.  Capt.  Hutchin- 
son, Mr.  Sam.  Apleton  and  I  went  to  Westminster  to  give 
an  Evidence  for  N.  E.,  but  there  was  not  an  oportunity. 
So  must  wait  on  Mr.  Mather  again  another  time.  Writt 
to  my  Unkle  Stephen,  thank' d  him  for  his  Love,  of  which 
I  was  unworthy,  will  come  down  if  I  can.  Writt  him  the 
News  of  the  Gazett  and  the  burial  of  Mr.  Loves. 

July  19.  I  was  in  the  Shop  to  read  a  Print  Cousin  Hull 
had  took  in  about  Ireland,  and  Madam  Owen  and  Madam 
Usher  passed  by,  so  I  invited  them  and  they  kindly  came 
up  to  my  Chamber.  I  treated  them  with  a  Glass  of  good 
Cider.  Gave  Madam  Owen  one  of  Mr.  Cotton  Mather's 
Sermons,  the  Revolution  of  N.  E.,  and  Mr.  Kick's  Letter. 
Ad  vis' d  with  Mr.  Mather  about  Mrs.  Pool's  Legacy.  He 
would  remit  the  Money  by  Bill  of  Exchange,  if  it  were  to 
Him. 

July  21.  Went  in  the  afternoon  to  Stepney,  and  heard 
Mr.  Lawrence.  He  fears  the  Clouds  returning  after  the 
rain  as  to  Antichristian  powers.  His  heart  much  upon 
the  1000  years.  Something  in  this  Sermon,  and  I  per- 
ceive by  them  that  know  :  few  Sermons  without.  Gives 
notice  that  Mr.  Crouch,  the  Minister,  dead,  and  will  be 
buried  tomorrow,  5  aclock,  from  Armorour's  Hall.  Sat 
with  Mr.  Paice. 

July  23.  The  White  Regiment  marches  into  the  Artil- 
lery Ground,  of  which  the  Lord  Mayor  is  Colonel,  and  so 
they  have  the  Preeminence.  Consist  of  Eight  Companies, 
14  or  15  hundred  in  the  whole,  perhaps.  Some  had  Silver 
Head-pieces  :   Mr.  Lay  field  for  one. 

July  24.  Benj.  Hallawell  visits  me.  I  give  him  my 
frize  Coat,  and  Right  Thoughts,  bound  with  Mr.  N.  M.'s 
[Nath.  Mather's]  Life. 

Wednesday,  July  24.  Dine  at  Cous.  Brattles,  in  com- 
pany of  Cous.  Brattle,  his  Wife,  Cous.  Hull,  Mr.  and  Mrs; 
Perry,  Mr.  Crossman,  Mrs.  Shinkfield,  Cousin  Mary,  and 


268  DIARr    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1689. 

a  Gentlewoman  of  Farnum.  Had  a  Dish  of  Bacon  with 
Pidgeons,  Sauce,  Beans  and  Cabbage.  Then  roast  Veal. 
Tarts.  After,  walk'd  with  Mr.  Brattle,  Jener,  Nicholson, 
Cooper,  Breading,  to  Black  wall.  View'd  Sir  Henry  John- 
son's Dock,  where  the  Ships  ly  afloat  at  Low  water,  the 
Gates  keeping  in  the  Water.  A  very  great  Ship  building 
there  now.  From  thence  went  on  board  the  Mehetabel, 
and  then  on  board  the  America,  at  Bugsby  hole.  So  to 
Blackwall  again,  which  has  two  little  Streets  like  a  Car- 
penters Square.  Walk'd  home.  I  fell  down  and  hurt  my 
right  hand  and  left  Legg  on  the  Gravel.  Standard  out 
and  Bells  ringing  for  joy  the  Princes  Anne  is  brought  to 
Bed  of  a  Son. 

July  25.  I  begun  on  Tuesday  to  drink  Northall  Waters 
by  advice  of  Dr.  Morton,  ^''-  Mana  in  the  Water  each 
morning.  To  day  he  adviseth  me  to  leave  off  putting  in 
Mana,  and  to  hold  on  drinking  the  Water  a  week  or  fort- 
night. 

Satterday,  July  27  Writt  to  my  Wife,  to  go  by  Dartmo, 
Capt.  Lewis  advising  that  there  was  a  vessel  going  to  N.  E. 
from  thence. 

Monday,  July  29,  Standing  in  the  Shop  about  7.  maiie, 
Mr.  John  Usher  comes  to  the  door,  which  surpriseth  me. 
Foy  is  at  Pezans.  Mr.  Usher  came  to  Town  Satterday 
night.  Sir  William  [Phips]  and  Lawson  arriv'd ;  all 
friends  well.  He  knew  not  of  his  coming  away  till  a 
day  or  two  before.  Is  very  confident,  and  hopes  to  be 
going  home  in  seven  weeks,  or  to  be  at  home  in  little 
more  than  that  time.  I  go  and  acquaint  Mr.  Mather,  who 
had  heard  nothing  of  it.  He  hastens  to  tother  end  of  the 
Town.  The  Lord  save  N.  E.  I  spoke  to  Mr.  Usher  not 
to  do  harm,  as  knowing  the  great  King  we  must  finally 
apear  before  :  because  he  spake  of  going  to  the  King. 
King  is  proclaim'd  at  Boston.  Mr.  Cook  had  like  to  have 
been  kill'd  with  a  fall  from  his  horse.  This  29*^  July  the 
Jews  have  great  joy  by  reason  of  a  Priest  come  to  Town 


1689.]  DIARY    OF    SA]\njEL    SEWALL.  269 

in  the  Harwich  Coach,  they  having  not  had  one  a  long 
time.     Mr.  Ekins  his  Wife  and  Daughter  here. 

July  31.  N.  E.  Convention  printed  here,  500  Copies.* 
Visited  Mr.  James,  but  found  him  not  at  home  :  Sat  a 
little  while  with  's  Daughter,  but  he  came  not  in.  Left 
Him  N.  E.  Revolution  and  Convention. 

Aug.  1.  News  Letter.  A  Ship  is  arriv'd  at  Penzans  in 
Cornwall,  from  New  England,  and  reports  that  that  Gov- 
ernment has  in  all  their  Towns  and  Cities  proclaimed 
William  and  Mary  their  rightfull  Soveraigns,  and  caused 
all  Processes  of  Law,  and  otherwise,  to  run  in  their  Majes- 
ties Names,  and  are  sending  over  two  persons  in  the  na- 
ture of  Envoys,  to  have  their  Liberties  confirmed  and  to 
pay  fealty  for  the  same.  I  read  the  above-written  at 
Temple-Bar,  at  Cheapside  and  Algate,  in  the  very  same 
words.  Capt.  Hutchinson  trails  a  Pike  to  day  under  his 
Cousin,  in  Sir  Tho.  Stamp's  Regiment,  the  Green.  His  is 
the  3"^  Company  —  i.e,  the  6*^,  reckoning  in  the  field 
officers. 

Aug.  3,  1689.  Writt  to  my  Wife  by  Dartmo,  inclosing 
Thorsdays  Gazett,  this  days  Scotch  Paper,  telling  of  Gov. 
Bradstreet's  Letter  by  Peck  being  come  to  hand  from 
Berwick  :  though  none  from  Foy,  whoes  Passengers  have 
been  in  Town  this  week.  Pay  Mrs.  Pole  6.  10.  0.  for  £5 
received  here,  Mrs.  Norcott's  Legacy,  with  abstract  of  the 
Will.^  Mr.  Mather  presents  his  Respects,  and  says  that 
Sir  Henry  Ashurst  told  him  the  Country  had  put  as  much 
honour  on  him  in  sending  the  Address  to  him  as  if  the 
Emperour  had  made  him  his  Envoy.     Corporation  Bill 

1  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  this  was  the  tract  already  cited,  the  "  Brief 
Relation  of  the  State  of  New  England,"  by  Increase  Mather.  The  letter  of 
Kick,  which  is  printed  in  it,  was  probably  also  issued  separately  from  the 
same  types;  and  thus  Sewall  was  supplied  with  the  copies  he  mentions. — 
Eds. 

2  These  lines  seem  to  be  an  abstract  of  Sewall's  letter  homewards,  and  the 
payments  to  Mrs.  Pool  in  Boston  would  imply  strongly  that  Theophilus  was 
dead. — Eds. 


270  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1689. 

sticks  in  the  Birth.  Mr.  Ratcliff  follows  his  business  close. 
Capt.  Nicholson,  'tis  reported,  will  be  Governour  of  New 
York.  Many  of  us  desirous  to  come  home,  but  judge  not 
fit  to  come  without  a  Convoy.  Service  to  Gov.  Bradstreet, 
Mr.  Willard,  Moodey,  thanks  for  their  Labour  of  Love. 
Glad  was  a  Fast  at  our  House  in  April.  Duty  to  Parents, 
Love  to  Brothers,  Sisters,  and  to  thee  and  our  dear  Qua- 
ternion.^ S.  H.  E.  J. 

Aug.  6.  Writt  to  Cous.  Quinsey  by  Faymouth,  of  Foy's 
Arrival  and  delivery  of  the  Country's  Letters.  Writt  to 
Eliakim  to  the  same  purpose. 

Aug.  7*^  Went  with  Mr.  Mather,  Mr.  Whiting,  Mr. 
Samuel  M.  and  Mr.  William  Whiting.  Saw  the  Hall  Chapel, 
Council  Chamber,  and  some  of  the  Lodgings  of  Chelsey, 
about  26  in  one  Gallery.  Very  lovely  Cellar,  two  rows  of 
Pillars  that  suport  the  uper  floor.  Saw  the  Physick  Gar- 
den,^ and  in  it  among  other  things,  an  Olive  Tree,  Orange 
Tree,  Cortex  Peruvianus.  Cost  about  20"^;  When  was 
at  Mr.  Whiting's,  Mr.  Lobb  ^  came  in  and  spake  of  hot  dis- 
course in  Council  last  Sabbath-day,  about  sending  a  Gov- 
ernour to  N.  E.  Sir  William  Waller,  to  prevent  others  as 
he  says,  has  petition'd  to  be  Governour. 

Aug.  8.  Writt  to  Cous.  Nath.  Dumer,  inclosing  Bro. 
Stephen's ;  bid  him  send  by  the  first  Post  any  Letters  he 
intends  for  New  England  because  Ships  just  ready  to  sail. 
Writt  to  the  Widow  Brunton  of  Whitehaven,  and  to  Mr. 
Robert  Johnson  of  Dunfrey  in  Scotland  that  [they]  would 
remit  to  Mr.  Ive  for  my  Account  of  Money  [they]  have 


1  The  quaternion,  S.  H.  E.  J.,  was,  of  course,  their  four  children  then 
living;  viz.,  Samuel,  Hannah,  Elizabeth,  and  Joseph.  Four  had  also  been 
born  up  to  this  date,  who  had  died  infants.  — Eds. 

^  The  Garden  for  Medical  Plants  was  instituted  at  Chelsea  in  1673  by  the 
Company  of  Apothecaries.  This  was  the  basis  of  the  subsequent  extensions 
and  improvements  in  the  interest  of  medical  botany  made  by  the  eminent 
Sir  Hans  Sloane,  who  brought  Peruvian  bark  into  general  use.  — Eds. 

^  Probably  Richard  Lobb,  who  married  Nathaniel  Mather's  wife's  sister 
See  Mather  Papers,  p.  468.  —  Eds. 


1689.]  DIART   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  271 

in  their  hands  of  Ketch  Tryal,  of  which  Mr.  John  Wins- 
low  own'd  I  and  I  | :  both  made  Mr.  Ive  our  Attorney  : 
Mr.  Addington  and  Mr.  Dan.  Quinsey  in  my  behalf,  sup- 
posing I  had  been  at  Sea  homeward  bound,  they  being 
my  Attorney :  I  aprove  of  the  Person  they  have  pitch'd 
on  and  intreat  them  to  apply  to  him.  Have  been  great 
Losers,  having  receiv'd  nothing  of  Ketch  or  hire.  Am 
with  Mr.  Edward  Hull,  at  the  Hat  in  Hand,  within  Algate, 
London.  If  I  am  gon  he  will  give  Mr.  Ive  the  Letters 
sent  first  Post. 

Aug.  8.  Writt  to  Mr.  Zech.  Tuthill  inclosing  a  N.  E. 
Convention. 

Aug.  9.  Visited  Madam  Usher,  Loyd,  Harfield,  Cous. 
Bridget,  Madam  Blackwell,  and  took  my  leave  of  them. 
Mr.  Mather  came  in. 

Aug.  10.  Writt  to  Mrs.  Pole  that  I  had  received  her 
Legacy  given  by  Mrs.  Katherine  Norcott :  send  Acquit- 
tances. My  hearty  service  to  Mr.  Stoughton.  Gave  her 
full  Instructions  as  to  the  Will.     Bant  [shipmaster]. 

Aug.  10.  Writt  to  my  dear  Wife  enclosing  Mr.  Ma- 
ther's Receipt  for  £100,  use  of  N.  E.     Bant. 

Aug.  11.  Sung,  or  rather  wept  and  chatter'd,  the  142 
Psalm,  in  course.     Mrs.  Perry  ill,  kept  her  Bed  yesterday. 

Tuesday,  Aug.  13.  Came  with  Capt.  Hutchinson,  Mr. 
Brattle,  Partridge,  Apleton  from  Salutation  at  Billingsgate 
to  Woolige,  where  din'd  with  Mr.  Sam.  Allen :  saw  the 
King's  Ropeyard  and  the  Canon  in  the  Waren.  Ropeyard 
nine  score  paces  long.  From  thence  to  Graves-End  in  the 
even.  Went  on  board  the  America  about  10  aclock,  hurt- 
ing my  shin  against  the  end  of  a  Chest  going  into  the 
Cabbin,  from  which  I  supose  in  the  night  issued  a  pretty 
deal  of  Blood,  and  stain'd  my  Shirt,  which  startled  me 
when  rose  in  the  morning  at  Graves-End,  where  I  lodg'd 
with  Mr.  Brattle. 

Aug.  14*?  Mr.  Mather  comes  down,  and  chides  us  se- 
verely that  none  staid  for  Him,  and  seeing  the  Ship  not 


272  DIARY   OF   SxiMUEL   SEWALL.  [1689. 

gone,  goes  to  London  again.  I  gave  him  my  Letter  by 
Cous.  Hull,  which  had  writt  to  inform  him,  not  knowing  of 
's  coming,  and  beg'd  his  pardon,  thinking  I  might  be  more 
servicable  here  and  at  Deal,  than  at  London. 

Aug.  15.  Write  to  Cous.  Quinsey  by  Bant,  with  In- 
voice and  Bill  of  Lading,  Mr.  Yaughan's  Cheese,  his  and 
Bro.  Sewall's  Anotations  :  Wife's  Stockings.  Mr.  Brattle 
and  I  ride  to  Chatham,  dine  at  the  Crown,  see  the  Dock 
and  33  Spiners  of  Kope-yarn,  goe  on  board  the  Britania, 
so  to  Sittingburn,  lodge  at  the  George  :  rains  hard  in  the 
night.  Li  the  morn  a  good  King  of  6  Bells  entertains  us : 
no  whether  for  the  Ringers  to  work. 

Aug.  16.  From  Sittingburn  to  Canterbury  in  the  Rain, 
dine  at  the  Crown:  Mr.  Powell:  send  for  Cou.  Fissenden, 
his  Sister  dead  since  my  being  there,  and  my  Landlady  at 
the  red  Lion  dead.  Bought  each  of  us  a  pair  of  Gloves  of 
Mr.  Chiever.  From  Canterbury  to  Sandwich  with  the 
Post.  Sandwich  a  large  place  and  wall'd  about,  10  miles 
from  Canterbury,  in  a  very  flat,  level  country  ;  Creek 
comes  up  to  it.  From  thence  to  Deal  5  miles,  built  on 
the  Beach.  Land  we  ride  over  is  call'd  the  Downs,  and 
the  Castle,  Sand-Down  Castle.  Lodge  at  the  3  Kings. 
Mrs.  Mary  Watts,  a  widow,  our  Landlady. 

Satterday,  Aug.  17.  Goe  to  the  new  Meeting  house  that 
is  building  for  Mr.  Larner  ^  in  the  3*^  and  lower  street  of 
Deal,  towards  the  north  end,  which  is,  within  the  Walls, 
34  wide  and  41  foot  long  :  2  Galleries,  one  at  each  end, 
of  4  Seats  apiece.  Roof  is  double  with  a  Gutter  in  the 
middle  :  built  with  Brick  covered  with  Tile.  Went  to  see 
Sand-Down  Castle  :  but  a  Coach  was  there  to  bring  out  a 
Corps.  The  little  Sand-Cliffs  and  iner  Sand  Hills,  somthing 
like  Plum  Hand  little  hills,  give  name  no  Question  to  that 
part  of  the  Sea  now  call'd  the  Downs.     Deal  is  built  be- 


1  Perhaps  Ricljard  Lardner,  father  of  the  distinguished  Dr.  Xathaniel 
Lardiier.     Kicliard  lived  at  Deal.     See  Wilson,  T.  89.  —  Eds. 


1689.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  273 

tween  the  2  forlands,  about  5  mile  from  the  North-forland, 
3  parallel  Streets,  the  upermost  built  on  the  very  Beach, 
daring  the  Sea. 

Sabbath,  Aug.  18.  Hear  Mr.  Larner  in  a  Barn.  Morn 
read  the  8*^  Romans. 

Aug.  19.  Mr.  Brattle  and  I  went  and  saw  Deal  and 
Strolume  Church,  about  a  mile  off  :  the  Church  very  old, 
but  set  off  with  a  new  brick  Steeple.  That  part  call'd 
old,  and  upper  Deal,  though  some  of  the  Ground  between 
that  and  the  very  low  Country,  Houses  and  Gardens  and 
Orchards  almost  all  the  way. 

Aug.  21.  Mr.  Mather  and  my  Namesake  come  in  a 
Coach  from  Gravesend.  Intended  to  have  gone  to  Pli- 
mouth :  but  the  Plimouth  Coaches  full. 

Aug.  22.  Writt  to  Eliakim  by  Clark  inclosing  a  Bill  of 
Lading,  Invoice,  and  Copy  of  Cou.  Hull's  Note  at  Graves- 
end. 

Aug.  20.  22.  Writt  to  Mr.  Flavell,  inclos'd  to  Cou. 
Hull. 

Aug.  23.  Writt  to  my  Unkle  St.  Dumer,  to  take  leave 
of  him  and  friends  in  Hampshire  from  Deal.  AYritt  to 
Mr.  Zech.  Tuthill,  Mr.  Perry,  Cous.  Hull.  Exceter  come. 
Exceter  comes  into  the  Downs.  Mr.  Mather,  Brattle, 
Namesake  and  Self  goe  abord  the  America.  Call  on  Bant. 
Mr.  Quarles  dying  there. 

Aug.  24.  Mr.  Mather,  Mr.  Sam!  and  Self  visit  Mr 
Larner,  who  desires  Mr.  Mather  to  preach  for  him  to- 
morrow. 

Aug.  25.  Mr.  Mather  preaches  for  Mr.  Larner  in  the 
Afternoon. 

Aug.  26.     Visit  Mr.  Larner. 

Aug.  27.  Tuesday.  Exceter  sumons  all  aboard  about 
4.  p.m.  Came  to  us  in  the  Ship-Arbour,  Mr.  Lamin. 
Got  aboard  between  6  and  7.  The  shifting  the  wind  was 
unexpected.  No  publick  Prayer  in  the  even.  Very  sore 
night  for  Thunder  and  Lightening.     Were  about  to  sail 

18 


274  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1689. 

at  midnight  and  the  wind  chopt  ahout,  and  blew  so  hard 
that  were  glad  to  drop  another  Anchor  again. 

Aug.  28.  Mr.  Mather  reads  the  3*^  Matthew  :  reads  the 
epistle  out  of  my  Testament.  Prays.  Boat  comes  aboard 
and  brings  Gazett  signifying  the  Pope's  Death  [Inno- 
cent XI.]^ 

Aug.  22-26.  Enclos'd  in  Cou.  Hull's  to  me.  Mr.  Ma- 
ther, Sam,  Mr.  Brattle  and  I  came  aboard  first  in  a  boat : 
gave  3^ :   Others  came  aboard  in  the  night. 

Satterday,  Sept.  14*^.  Went  on  Board  when  the  Ship 
under  sail,  but  wind  veer'd  against  us,  so  came  again  to 
Deal. 

Sept.  15.  Sabbath-Day.  Went  aboard  :  the  Fleet  sail'd, 
Wind  N.  West,  veer'd  fairer  and  fairer :  in  the  Night  was 
much  Lightening  and  loud  Thunder.  Exceter  convoy. 
Sail  by  Dover,  Folkston,  Eumney. 

Monday,  Sept.  16.  is  rainj^,  so  can't  well  see  the  Land. 

Tuesd.  Sept.  17.  Come  up  with  Portland,  wind  at  north, 
or  thereabouts,  and  very  strong.  We  are  almost  the  far- 
thest of  all  from  the  Shoar,  and  had  lost  the  Exceter  in 
the  night :  find  her  in  the  morning.  Am  ready  to  wish 
myseK  with  Mr.  Mather  and  my  Namesake,  recovering  of 
the  Small  Pocks  at  Deal.  After,  sail  with  the  Barclay- 
Castle,  and  on  Wednesday  morning,  between  8  and  9.  fair 
wether.  Came  to  an  Anchor  in  Plimouth  Sound,  tire  Tide 
being  made  strongest  against  us,  and  the  wind  but  bare. 

Wednes.  Sept.  18.  About  6.  p.m.  the  Ship  being  got  up 
higher,  we  w^ent  ashoar.  Mr.  Brattle  and  I  lodg'd  together 
at  the  house  of  one  Mr.  John  Jeiiings  near  the  Key.  Note. 
In  coming  up  a  Privateer  fell  foul  of  us,  took  off  our  An- 
cient-Staff, much  discompos'd  our  wooden  Guns,  put  Will's 
[Merry's]  Thumb  out  of  joint,  and  some  other  damage. 
Nf.L.  [?]  Convoy  have  an  order  not  to  goe,  it  being  so 
late  in  the  year. 

Sept.  20.  Writ  to  Mr.  Mather  at  Deal,  and  to  Cousin 
Hull  at  London,  to  pay  ten  pounds  to  Anne  Searle,  in 


1689.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  275 

Meeting  house  Alley.  She  is  a  Widow,  daughter  to  my 
Landlord,  John  Jennings,  of  whom  I  am  to  receive  the 
Money  in  way  of  Exchange. 

Sabbath,  Sept.  22.  I  goe  and  hear  Mr.  Jacobs.  In  the 
morn  he  reads  the  39*^  of  Jeremiah.  Preach'd  a  funeral 
Sermon  from  1  Thess.  4.  17.  —  and  so  shall  we  ever  be 
with  the  Lord.  Begun  thus  —  One  being  lately  dead  who 
did  belong  to  this  Congregation,  but  now,  we  hope,  is 
gone  to  a  better.  Afternoon  read  the  4*^  John,  and 
1  John  3.  19,  was  his  Text: — The  love  of  the  Saints 
with  its  genuine  effects  and  fruits,  is  a  good  Evidence  of 
real  syncere  Christianity. 

Monday,  Sept.  23.  Last  night  Thundered  for  a  great 
while  together,  rains  this  day.  Many  Souldiers  march 
away  to  make  room  for  D.  Bolton's  ^  Kegiment  lately  come 
hether  by  sea.  Two  Serjeants  goe  out  of  our  house,  and 
two  other  Souldiers  come  in. 

Sept.  24.  Mr.  Brattle,  Dr.  Edwards  and  I  walk  to 
Stonehouse,  1^  Mile  from  Plimouth,  a  Causey  thither. 
Visit  Capt.  Hutchinson  and  Mr.  Partridge,  who  lodge 
there  in  a  very  mean  Chamber. 

Sept.  25.  Went  with  Mr.  Bedford,  who  shewed  us  the 
Cittadel,  and  Sir  Nicholas  Staning,  the  Lieut.  Governour, 
who  gave  order  that  he  should  have  us  into  his  house,  and 
then  came  in  himself,  and  drank  to  us  in  a  Glass  of  Ale, 
that  beino;  the  drink  I  chose  and  Mr.  Brattle.  Two  Men 
were  laid  Neck  and  heels.  In  the  afternoon  went  aboard 
and  fetch'd  ashoar  my  Trunk  :  Landlady's  Brother  and 
Daughter  went  with  us. 

Sept.  26.  Went  with  Capt.  Hutchinson,  Brattle  and 
Partridge  to  Milbrook  in  Cornwall,  and  there  din'd  well 
for  6^  apiece.  Went  by  the  Beach  and  came  home  the 
uper  Way  by  Maker  Church,  which  is  a  large  fair  one 


^  Charles  Powlett,  first  Duke  of  Bolton,  1689,  raised  a  regiment  of  foot 
for  the  reduction  of  Ireland.  —  Eds. 


276  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  flGSS. 

upon  the  Hill,  and  so  a  very  good  Mark  for  Seamen.  Go 
over  Crimble  Passage  to  Mount  Edgcomb.  Milbrook  is 
part  in  Devonshire  and  part  in  Cornwall.  Dr.  Edwards 
came  after  us,  and  overtook  us  coming  home.  Milbrook 
People  goe  to  Maker  Church. 

Friday,  Sept.  27.  Landlord  receives  a  Letter  from  's 
Daughter  giving  an  Account  of  £10,  paid  her  for  me  by 
Cous.  Hull,  but  I  have  no  Letter  from  my  Cousin. 

Sept.  28.  Mr.  Brattle  and  I  walk  out  and  see  the  Course 
of  the  Water  brought  by  Sir  Francis  Drake,  Ano,  1591, 
as  apears  by  an  Inscription.  We  are  told  it  is  brought 
so  winding  about,  that  notwithstanding  the  Hilliness  of 
the  Country,  no  Troughs  are  used  to  carry  it  over  Val- 
leys. Many  very  good  Overshut  Mills  driven  by  it.  Upon 
another  Conduit  is  engraven,  Redigit  desertum  in  Stagnum,^ 
1593.  It's  brought  9  or  10  miles,  from  Ruper  Down,  de- 
riv'd  from  a  River  as  one  goes  to  Tavistock,  comonly 
call'd  Testick. 

Sept.  29.  Sabbath.  Heard  Mr.  Sherril  [Sherwil]  preach 
forenoon  and  afternoon,  from  the  11*^  Isaiah,  6-9,  verses; 
of  the  taming  Men's  Dispositions  by  the  Grace  of  God. 

Sept.  30.  Mr.  Bedford  invited  Mr.  Brattle  and  me  to 
diner  to  Mr.  Dracot's.  Had  a  dish  of  Fowls  and  Bacon 
with  Livers :  a  Dish  of  Salt  Fish,  and  a  Piece  of  Mutton 
reaching  from  the  neck  a  pretty  way  of  the  back,  the 
Ribs  reaching  equally  from  the  back  bone,  Cheese  and 
fruit :  no  Wine.  This  evening  w^e  are  told  that  4  Frigots 
are  come  into  the  Sound  which  are  to  Convoy  the  Ships 
bound  to  the  West  Indies. 

Octob.  1.  Receiv'd  Letters  from  Cous.  Hull  and  Mr. 
Mather  about  N.  E.  See  one  Mr.  Tucker  married  at  the 
New  Church. 

Octob.  2.    Hear  a  Stranger  preach  at  Mr.  Jacobs's  from 


*  "  He  turneth  the  wilderness  into  a  standing  water."     Psalms  cvii.  35. 
-Eds. 


1689.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  277 

Exod.  25.  15,  from  whence  observ'd  that  God  was  not 
oblig'd  to  continue  the  Tokens  of  his  favourable  presence 
to  any  people.  At  the  Fleece  Capt.  Clarke  tells  us  that 
he  hath  this  day  put  Six  hundred  weight  of  good  Beef 
aboard,  and  what  is  there  already  is  good.  Make  some 
essays  to  get  Mr.  Edwards  again,  but  he  seems  resolv'd  to 
the  contrary. 

Oct.  3.     Agree  upon  putting  aboard  5  Shoats,  fowls,  &c. 

Oct.  4.  Write  to  Cous.  Hull,  which  is  at  least  my  third 
Letter.  Goe  aboard  the  America  :  bring  Will  Merry  ashoar. 
See  the  Ships  in  Catwater  [the  estuary  of  the  river  Plym], 
over  against  Onson  Passage.  Dr.  Edwards  goes  aboard 
Capt.  Weare,  in  order  to  leave  us. 

Oct.  5.  The  Ships  inward  bound  sail  for  London.  Dr. 
Edwards  in  Weare.  Went  to  Grimble  [Cremil]  Passage. 
Spake  to  Mr.  Jacobs  when  came  home.  Saw  an  Ensign 
buried.  The  Company  was  drawn  up  in  one  Rank,  Pikes, 
next  the  House  of  Mourning.  When  ready  to  goe,  rank'd 
six,  came  to  funeral  Posture :  Colours  cover' d  with  Mourn- 
ing went  after  Pikes,  then  Captain,  then  Parson  and  Corps. 
Posted  the  Pikes  ex  adi^erso,  mutually,  when  Service  say- 
ing. Gave  3  Volleys,  but  saw  not  the  Colours  open  all 
the  while.  The  Tattoo  with  which  the  Watch  is  set  goes 
thus :  — 

Dtirrera  dura 

Durrera  dum 

Dtirrera  dum 

Durrera  dum 
Dum  dum  Dum  dum  Durrera  dum 
Dum  dum  Dum  dura  Durrera  dum 

Durrera  dum. 

About  three  Sets  of  Drums  take  it  one  after  another. 

Oct.  6.  Goe  to  Mr.  Jacobs's,  and  in  the  Afternoon  sit 
down  with  him  at  the  Lord's  Super :  and  so  I  goe  from 
one  Pit  to  another  to  see  if  I  can  find  any  Water  to  re- 
fresh me  in  my  disappointments  and   discomforts.      Dr. 


278  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1689. 

Edwards  comes  in  again  being  put  back  by  the  wind  :  is 
now  willing  to  goe.  But,  Oct.  7,  the  Captain  and  he  are 
like  to  break  off  again  for  20^  and  hear  of  a  Frigot  being 
taken  by  the  French  off  of  Silly,  so  that  am  wavering  as 
to  my  going,  or  else  would  rather  give  the  20^  myself  than 
goe  without  him.  Were  four  Frigots  of  the  English,  and 
eleven  of  the  French.     The  Lively  taken. 

Thorsday,  Oct.  10.  Set  Sail  out  of  Plimouth  Sound 
with  a  fair  wind.  East,  N.E.  Capt  Allen  having  left  the 
Ship  I  was  about  to  leave  it  too,  but  he  returning  I  re- 
turned. 

Oct.  11.  Pleasant  wether.  Two  Eogues  to  windward 
of  us,  w^hich  the  Man  of  War  keeps  off  but  can't  come  up 
with  them :  in  the  night  a  meer  Calm. 

Oct.  12.  Fair  wether,  wind  East  and  somewhat  South- 
erly. 

Sabbath,  Oct.  13.  The  Convoys  leave  us  when  scarce 
40  Leagues  from  Silly.     Night  very  tempestuous. 

Oct.  14.  Make  a  shift  to  sail  West,  and  West  and  by 
South.     A  Scattering  day.     I  broke  my  white  Plate. 

Tuesd.  Oct.  15.  Is  a  strong  West  wind,  or  West  by 
South.  Saw  a  Rainbow  or  two  this  day.  Sail  to  the 
Northwest. 

Oct.  16.  The  wind  is  just  in  our  Teeth.  Last  night 
presently  after  going  to  bed,  turn'd  out  in  some  Conster- 
nation because  of  a  Squawl,  and  danger  of  runing  on  2 
or  3  Ships.  Many  Porposes,  or  Hering  Hogs  seen  this 
day. 

Thorsday,  Oct.  17.  Foggy  rainy  wether,  wind  at  South 
pretty  strong :  Several  Ships  in  sight. 

Oct.  18.  ditto.  Oct.  19.  Wind  westerly.  One  of  the 
Frenchmen  complain'd  yesterday  and  to  day  of  a  feverish 
distemper.     Dumenee. 

Sabbath,  Oct.  20.  About  sunrise  saw  a  pleasant  Rain- 
bow. Matt.  18.  20.  This  place  is  to  be  understood  of 
the  least  meetino;s  of  true  Christians  in  the  name  of  Christ, 


1689.]  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  279 

as  well  as  of  the  largest  Councils.  Preston,  Pillar  and 
Ground  of  Truth,  7.  11.  2  Kings  17.  33.  34.  God  will 
not  own  his  own  comanded  Worship  when  mingled  and 
compounded  with  another,  idem,  p.  16  at  the  bottom. 

Monday,  Oct.  21.  Wind  came  at  South-East  some  hours 
before  day.  By  noon  was  little  wind  :  a  little  before  night 
it  came  at  Xorwest,  so  brought  on  board  the  other  Tack, 
and  laid  the  Ship's  head  the  other  way.  Found  out  Mr. 
Mather's  Cake. 

Oct.  22.     Wind  comes  contrary  :  calm. 

Wednesday,  Oct.  23.  Wind  N.  Nor,-Easfc  since  10  last 
night.     6  or  7  Knots  the  Ship  runs. 

Oct.  24.  See  a  Sail  to  windward.  Capt.  Dumenee  re- 
mains very  ill.  Mr.  Edwards  took  some  blood  from  him 
to  day.  Sorted  my  Letters,  giving  what  belong'd  to  Capt. 
Clark  inside  his  bagg. 

Oct.  25.     Fair  wether,  but  wind  in  our  teeth. 

Oct.  26.  Fair  w^arm  wether,  wind  Southwest,  sail  N.W. 
by  W.N.W. :  are  in  44^  30?^  Latitude.  Tis  supos'd  a  Cur- 
rent sets  us  to  the  Southward,  or  else  cant  tell  how  came 
by  this  Latitude.  Mr.  Fane  vol  sick  yesterday :  pain  in  's 
ear.  Have  a  very  sick  Ship.  Read  in  Dr.  Preston,  of 
God's  Attributes,  from  7,  A.M.  The  Lord  comfort  me 
by  that  His  Name.  Mr.  Partridge  has  forborn  coming 
into  Cabin  some  days,  looking  on  the  disease  to  be  con- 
tagious. 

Oct.  27.  Very  rainy  day  :  sun  shines  out  pleasantly 
about  an  hour  before  setting  :  grows  a  Calm,  which  makes 
the  Ship  roll  in  a  very  irksome  maner. 

Oct.  28.  Capt.  du  Menee  very  dangerously  ill.  See  a 
Ketch  ahead  of  us.  Wind  in  our  teeth.  We  goe  to 
Prayer,  and  Eat  in  the  Round  house  by  reason  of  the 
Frenchman's  illness. 

Oct.  29.  Last  night  sail'd  briskly  a  good  part  of  it : 
but  this  day  the  wind  at  South  West,  and  a  Swoln  Sea. 
Fair  wether. 


280  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1689 

Oct.  30.  Wind  N.W.  At  night  Demenee  is  watch'd 
with,  who  has  been  dehrious  a  great  while. 

Oct.  31.  Strong  West  wind,  so  that  we  hardly  have 
gain'd  anything  for  a  considerable  time. 

Friday,  Nov.  1.  Contrary  Wind,  but  shifting.  Mr. 
Partridge  trim'd  me.  Will  Merry  has  the  Measles,  as 
many  have  had  before  him. 

Nov.  2.  Strong  West  wind :  last  night  much  Lighten- 
ing and  Eain.  In  the  afternoon  saw  a  Ship  standing  to 
the  Eastward,  but  when  came  nearer  stood  from  us  to 
the  Southward ;  we  ly  N.N.W.     Demenee  grows  better. 

Nov.  3.     Strong  West  Wind. 

Nov.  4.     Wind  N.W.     Mr.  Simons  has  the  Scurvy. 

Nov.  5.  Wind  N.W.  Rainbow.  Dine  in  the  Cabin 
again.  Mr.  Simons  has  a  very  bad  Legg.  Put  on  my 
Deal  Stockings  to  day.     Nov.  6  North  Wind. 

Nov.  7.  Wind  SS.E.,  S.W.  and  S.E.  Last  night  Mr. 
Brattle  was  taken  with  his  indisposition  of  Spitting  Blood. 
Call'd  the  Doctor,  and  was  about  to  breath  a  vein  as  lay  in 
's  cabin  :  but  it  ceasing,  defer'd.  This  day  after  a  slender 
Dinner,  was  taken  worse  than  in  the  night,  and  had  Seven 
Ounces  of  Blood  taken  away. 

Nov.  8.  Last  night  about  12  or  1,  Mr.  Brattle  calls  me 
up,  thinking  to  be  let  Blood  again,  to  prevent  his  coughing 
it  up :  but  Dr.  Edwards  gave  him  4  Grains  of  Laudanum 
Opiatum  dissolv'd  in  Plantan  Water,  w^ith  which  he  lies. 
In  the  day  inclines  to  vomit,  w^hich  doth  about  noon,  with- 
out Blood.  Eats  Barly  boil'd.  Towards  night  the  wind 
comes  fast,  but  is  very  little  of  it. 

Nov.  9.  Wind  is  fair,  being  North,  or  better,  make 
good  way  of  it :  the  former  part  of  the  night  uneasy : 
Ship  passing  in  the  trough  of  the  Sea. 

Nov.  10.  Wind  fair,  but  towards  night  veers  to  the 
Westward  of  the  North.  Capt.  Walking  ton  is  so  sick  as 
to  take  his  Cabin  and  keep  it  almost  all  day.  Dr.  gives 
him  something  to  sweat  at  night. 


I 


1689.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  281 

Nov.  11.     Fair  Wind.     So  Tuesday. 

Nov.  12.  A  fairer,  but  little  of  it.  Strengthen  the 
Bolt-sprit,  the  Gamon  [lashing]  of  which  was  loosed. 

Nov.  13.  Are  in  43.  Latitude.  Sound,  but  find  no 
bottom  ;  so  supose  we  are  Southward  of  the  Bank,  4.  p.m. 
Birds  and  coldness  of  the  Water  are  indications  that  we 
are  near  it. 

Nov.  14.  Fair  Wind  and  Wether.  Sound,  but  find  no 
bottom.  Wether  so  mild  that  eat  at  the  Table  on  the 
Deck,  4  or  5  times  together. 

Friday,  Nov.  15.  9  Mane.  Sound,  and  find  ground 
in  45  or  50  fathoms.  Bring  the  Ship  to  and  put  out 
fishing  Lines.  Mr.  Fanevill  only  catches  a  good  Cod, 
which  had  several  small  Fish  in  him,  supose  to  be  An- 
choves,  however,  very  much  resemble  that  Fish.  Very 
foggy  wether.  Judge  are  on  the  Southermost  point  of 
the  Bank.  And  now  we  have  tasted  afresh  of  American 
Fare.  Lord,  give  me  to  taste  more  of  thyself  everywhere, 
always  adequately  good.  Nov.  16.  N.W.  NN.W.  Nov.  17. 
North  Wind.     Calm. 

Monday,  Nov.  18.  South  Wind,  run  7  Knots.  See 
many  Porpuses  jumping. 

Nov.  19.  N.W.  and  North  Wind.  See  two  Ships 
astern,  standing  right  after  us. 

Wednesday,  Nov.  20.  East  Wind.  Sail  6  and  7  Knotts. 
Note.  Last  night  about  2  aclock,  Mr.  Partridge  came  into 
Cabin  and  told  us  the  Ships  were  come  up  with  us,  which 
made  several  suspect  them  to  be  Eogues,  and  put  us  in 
fear  lest  they  should  be  Enemies.  The  small  Arms  are 
charg'd.  But  in  the  morning,  by  putting  out  our  Ancients, 
find  them  to  be  Jersey-Men,  our  Friends.  The  best  Sailer 
spake  with  us :  he  shortens  sail  for  his  partner,  who  sails 
heavy  and  hath  sprung  a  Leak.  Thinks  we  are  the  hind- 
ermost  of  all  the  Fleet.  So,  by  the  good  Hand  of  God, 
that  which  cause  of  Fear  and  thoughtfullness  to  us,  is 
turned  into  matter  of  Pleasure  and  Comfort.     Blessed  be 


282  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1689 

his  Name.  Yesterday  Observed  :  found  the  Latitude  41 
and  25  Minutes. 

Nov.  20,  1689.  If  it  should  Please  God,  who  is  Right- 
eous in  all  his  Ways,  and  Holy  in  all  his  Works,  to  put 
an  End  to  my  Life  before  I  come  to  Boston,  my  Desire  is 
that  the  Eev.  Mr.  John  Hale,  of  Beverly,  have  given  him 
the  Sett  of  Pool's  Synopsis  which  I  bought  of  Mrs.  Mills, 
quarto  5  Volumes :  And  that  Mr.  Charles,  the  Son  of  the 
Reverend  Mr.  Israel  Chauncy,  of  Stratford,  have  given  him 
another  Sett  of  Mr.  Pool's  Synopsis  Criticorum,  in  five 
Books  :  And  that  the  Money  laid  out  with  the  Winthrops, 
on  account  of  the  Land  the  South  Meeting  House  stands 
on,  be  given  the  persons  concerned,  that  so  I  [who  ?]  have 
done  them  no  good,  may  doe  them  no  hurt.  Provided  no 
damage  hapen  by  a  Bond  I  have  given  the  Winthrops,  or 
one  of  their  Husbands,  a  Copy  of,  which  is  in  my  Papers. 
And  that  my  dear  Brother,  Mr.  Stephen  Sewall,  have  given 
him  my  new  Cloath-colour'd  suit  with  the  Chamlet  Cloak. 
And  if  I  have  not  done  it  already  in  my  Will,  left  at 
Boston,  I  desire  that  my  Namesakes,  Sam.  Toppan  and 
Sam.  Sewall  of  Newbury,  have  Five  pounds  apiec  given 
them  by  my  dear  Mother  and  Wife,  unto  whom  my  other 
Friends  are  equally  known  as  to  my  Self.  I  desire  my 
dear  Wife  to  accept  of  my  Watch  as  a  Token  of  my  Love. 
And  as  to  the  things  mentioned  on  this  and  the  other  side 
of  this  Leaf,  I  leave  them  to  the  Discretion  and  good 
liking  of  my  dear  Mother  and  Wife,  to  doe  them  or  leave 
them  undone,  because  the  Estate  is  theirs.  As  witness 
my  Hand,  Sajsi.  Sewall. 

Nov.  21.  A  great  deal  of  Rain.  Wind  Shifts.  Speak 
with  the  Jersy  Men. 

Nov.  22.  Friday.  Wind  comes  to  Nor  West  and  blows 
hard.     Speak  with  the  Jersy  Men. 

Nov.  23.  Have  an  Observation  and  find  are  in  40  and 
33  Minutes,  more  Southerly  much  than  the  Mariners 
supos'd  :    so  Tack'd  imediately,  and  by  night  the  wind 


1689.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  283 

came  to  fair,  about  W.  by  N.  West,  and  had  very  fresh 
way. 

Nov.  24.  Supose  are  now  in  the  Latitude  of  Cape  Cod, 
or  near  it :  Sound,  but  find  no  bottom  :  Wind  at  West,  but 
by  night  veers  to  the  Southward,  so  as  to  ly  West  Nor- 
west.     Very  pleasant  wether,  but  no  Observation. 

Monday,  Nov.  25.  About  Break  of  Day  the  Wind  car- 
ries away  our  Main-Top  Mast,  breaking  it  off  just  above 
the  Cap  :  about  8  Foot  of  the  Mast  lost.  The  day  spent 
in  fitting  the  piece,  hoisting  it  into  its  place,  and  partly 
fixing  it  with  Eigging.  Intended  to  have  set  up  a  Purse 
to  day,  [for  the  one  who  should  first  get  sight  of  land] 
but  this  evil  occurrent  hindred  us.  Wind  comes  to  the 
Northward  of  the  East,  which  makes  us  bring  the  other 
Tack  aboard,  and  by  Westward  by  South,  hope  the  Wind 
will  veer  faster. 

Tuesday,  Nov.  26.  Wind  abaft;  hails  and  snows,  yet 
not  very  thick  wether.  The  Main-Top  Sail  was  brought 
to  in  the  night.  In  the  morn  give  two  haK  Crowns,  a 
Jacobus,  and  a  Carolus  Secundus  to  the  Purse.  Sounded 
in  the  night,  and  now  about  10,  mane,  but  fetch'd  no 
ground :  so  judge  are  between  the  Bank  and  the  Land. 
A  flock  of  Isle  a  Sholes  Ducks  seen  to  day.  When  the 
Lead  came  up  saw  we  had  Ground  about  one  hundred  and 
30  Fathom  :  in  the  night  lay  by,  not  knowing  our  Lati- 
tude. 

Nov.  27.  Wind  West  and  by  South.  Sail  to  the  Nor- 
ward  :  Sound  and  find  all  oose  at  130  Fathoms.  In  the 
night  Sound  and  find  small,  black,  gritty  Stones,  so  in  the 
night  stood  to  the  Southward,  because  came  to  70  and  50 
Fathom,  and  had  not  an  Observation. 

Nov.  28.  Stand  to  the  Norward,  N.W.  and  N.W.  and 
by  Nor.  E.  Have  a  good  Observation :  are  in  the  Lati- 
tude of  42  and  50,  which,  it  seems,  is  the  Latitude  of  Cape 
Anne.  Hoist  up  the  Top  Sails,  to  see  if  can  make  the 
Northern  Land.     See  a  small  Boat  gone  adrift.     About 


284  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1689. 

3.  p.m.  Samay  goes  up  the  Shrouds  and  on  the  Top  Sail 
Yard  spies  Land,  and  takes  the  Purse.  The  Mate  Wallis 
and  Guner  say  'tis  Pigeon-Hill  on  Cape  Anne.  Guner, 
who  is  a  Coaster,  saith  also  that  he  sees  Newbury  Old 
Town  Hill,  and  Rowly  Hill.  All  see  it  plain  on  the  Deck 
before  Sunset.  Pleasant  wether,  clear  skie,  smooth  sea. 
Sail  N.W.  Blessed  be  God  who  has  again  brought  me  to 
a  sight  of  New-England. 

Nov.  29.  Most  pleasant  day.  Find  the  Land  we  saw 
yesterday  to  be  Agamenticus  Hills.  Canot  wether  Cape 
Anne,  so  goe  into  Piscataqua  River :  land  at  the  Great 
Island  :  from  thence  to  the  Bank  in  the  night.  Capt. 
Hutchinson  and  I  lodge  at  Mr.  Crafford's.  Send  Madam 
Vaughan  her  Cheese. 

Satterday,  Nov.  ult.  Ride  to  Newbury.  Friends  there 
exceeding  glad  to  see  me,  being  surpris'd  at  my  coming 
that  way. 

[The  following  memoranda  are  copied  from  leaves  at  the  end  of 
the  book  containing  the  journal  of  Se wall's  foreign  trip.] 

July  11.  1689.  Receiv'd  of  Mr.  Samuel  Layfield,  by 
his  Servant,  £20.0.0. 

July  13.  Paid  Joseph  Cliffe,  Collector  of  Poll  Money, 
Ten  pounds  one  Shilling. 

[A  few  lines  are  illegible.] 

Mr.  Wotton  gave  me  a  very  good  Book,  well  bound  and 
Lettered  on  the  Back,  of  Mr.  Flavell's.  Mr.  Matthew 
Wotton,  Bookseller,  sends  me  by  his  Servant  a  parcell  of 
Englands  Duty,  which  are  25,  the  Sale  of  which  in  N.  E. 
I  am  to  warrant,  if  I  doe  well  get  there ;  not  else.  Are 
sent  to  Mr.  Joseph  Braiiing,  at  Boston,  New  England.  I 
pay  him  the  frait  for  them. 

July  22,  1689.  Mr.  Joseph  — aice  and  I  saw  Mr.  In- 
crease Mather  Sign,  Seal  and  Deliver  an  Obligation  to 
Mr.  Stephen  Mason  for  150  pounds  English  Money  with 


1689.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  285 

Interest  this  day  2  Moneth,  as  I  take.  Gave  Bonds  signed 
and  sealed  of  the  same  tenor.  Sealed  at  the  N.  E.  Coffee 
house  with  my  Anchora  Spei. 

To  2  ounces  Manae  0.1.0 

To  4  quarts  Northall  Water,  by  Dr.  Morton's  Directions 
—  0.1.0. 

Paid  Mrs.  Cooper  in  full  for  washing  my  Clothes  and 
making  up  Linen —  0.1.4. 

July  24.     paid  my  Barber  2^  4^  Man,  2^  —  £0.2.6. 

Borrow'd  and  rec'd  of  Samuel  Sewall,  Money  of  England,  Twenty 
Shillings.     I  say,  Borrow'd  and  rec'd  jcer  me 

Bei^jamin  B.  Hallawell. 
£1.0.0. 

July  26.  Bought  at  Holburn  a  Greek  Testament  and 
Shephard's  Abridgment  of  the  Laws  —  0.18.6. 

July  30*^  Rec'd  of  Mr.  Tho.  Rowe,  Five  pounds  Eng- 
lish Money.    This  Money  by  order  and in  account  of 

Mrs.  Pole,  widow,  of  Boston.     This  five  pounds  is 

in  full  of  a  Legacy  given  said  Pole  by  Mrs.  Katharin  Nor- 
cott  deM,  in  her  last  Will  and  Testament;  whereof  said 
Rowe  is  one  Executor  £5.0.0.  Vide  July  18.  at  tother 
end  of  this  Booke. 

July  31.  To  a  Map  of  England,  Scotland  and  Ireland 
0.10.6.     Large  one  of  London  0.2.6. 

Went  and  was  Trim'd  by  Cousin  Henry  Ward,  and  gave 
his  wife,  who  sat  by  him  in  the  Shop  \  Duz.  Silver  Spoons, 
marked  E.  W.  1689.  Cost  63^-  of  Mr.  Layfield,  weighing 
lO---  IF—  8«  fashion,  £3.3.0. 

Aug.  1,  1689.  To  Mr.  Wotton,  for  Baker's  Chronicle, 
£0.17.6. 

Aug.  3.  Lent  and  paid  John  Rawson,  ^nq  Shillings,  as 
per  Receipt.  Mother-in-Laws  Name  is  Margaret  James, 
next  the  Dogg,  on  the  Left  hand,  without  Bishop  Gate  — 
£0.5.0. 

Aug.  8.  To  2  Pole's  Anotations  and  2  Catechises.  £4.8.0, 
Leusden's  Hebrew  Bible  — 0.18.0 


286  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1689. 

Kec'd  of  Mrs.  Rebeckah  Barrett  one  Letter  with  a  Token 
to  Madame  Leverett  at  Boston,  her  only  Sister. 

Aug.  9.  To  3  Bushels  and  3  pecks  very  good  boiling 
Pease  —  £0.13. 

Madam  Usher  sends  a  small  Book  to  Mr.  Moodey  by  me. 

Rec'd  of  Mr.  Layfield  —  £16.17.0  Cash  and  the  Spoons, 
July  31.,  now  writt  off,  which  come  to  £3.3.0  — £20.0.0., 
which  is,  as  supose,  in  whole  of  my  Bill. 

To  Mr.  Increase  Mather  for  New  England  £27.0.0. 

In  the  Barrel,  Aug.  12.  '89.,  one  Set  Poles  Synopsis 
Criticorum  :  Two  pair  Anotations,  ditto, 

Aug.  12.  To  2  more  Poles  Anotations,  put  up  this  day, 
£4.8.0. 

Left  for  Cousin  Hull  to  pay  Mr.  Parker's  Bill :  Mr. 
Alford  for  my  Watch,  Mr.  Dunton. 

Paid  40£  to  the  Heirs  of  Mr.  Stephen  Winthrop  for 
Releases  of  Meetinghouse  Ground  and  my  Warehouse  : 
fain  to  take  up  the  Money  of  Mr.  Hall  and  give  bond  with 
Cousin  Hull,  and  counterbond  to  Cousin  Hull,  £40.0.0 : 
was  fain  to  doe  it  in  a  hurry,  Capt.  Willie  not  being  come 
from  sea  till  very  lately.  Gave  Mrs.  Perry  Clarks  Exam- 
ples. To  Mr.  Walter  Pery  in  full  for  Board  from  June  24 
to  this  day  at  S^  per  Week  —  £2.16.  Borrow'd  of  Mr. 
Perry,  Seven  Guineas  in  Gold  —  £7.10.6. 

Gave  a  Note  to  Mr.  Stephen  Mason  that  if  he  would 
accomodate  Madam  Usher  with  £5.,  I  would  see  it  repaid. 
Left  to  Cousin  Hull,  to  pay  the  Lines  —  £13.16.0.  Hooks 
0.11.6. 

Paid  of  the  Chees 0.  8.  0 

Lines 13.16.  0 

Hooks 0.11.  6 

7  Guineas  of  Mr.  Perry 7.10.  6 

Mr.  Parker 25.  2.  9 

Mr.  Alford,  Stockings 3.15.  0 

Borrow'd  to  Lend  New-England 27.  9.  2 

78.12.11 


16S9.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  287 

Hat,  for  Self  and  Son  2.7.0. 

Muffs,  Yarman  Serge  5.15.0. 

Cousin  Hull,  Dr.  To  Cash  paid  him,  which  rec'd  of  Mr. 

Whiting £5.0.0 

Bill  to  pay  Beiiet,  of  Ipswich 5.0.0 

for  which  sum  of  £10,  Brother  Stephen  Sewall  is  to  have 
Credit,  I  having  rec'd  it,  or  with  20^  of  Cousin  Nath 
Dumer,  John  Edwards  Money. 

Deal,  Aug.  19.     To  a  pair  Home-made  Stockings,  which 

weighed  11^  oz.  at  3^^ 0.2.10 

pair  Mittins 0.0.  5 

Quire  Paper 0.0.  6 

To  drink  with  Mr.  Clark's  Cousin, 0.0.  6 

Aug.  24.  To  an  EngHsh  Testam*  Oxford  Print,  0.1.2. 
To  a  Mans  and  Womans  pair  of  Kid  Leather  Gloves,  which 
gave  Mrs.  Lamin  for  her  Brother  Clarke,  in  considera- 
tion of  his  servicableness  in  dressing  our  Diet  on  Ship- 
board, cost  —  0.4.0.  Gave  Capt.  Clarke  two  Guineas,  one 
of  the  new  Coin.  In  consideration  of  my  Passage  hether 
2.3.0.     To  the  Men  on  Shoar,  to  drink  —  0.1.0. 

Aug.  26.  To  a  Bed  of  Straw  to  lay  under  my  Feather- 
bed —  0.2.9. 

Aug.  28.  To  Mr.  Brattle,  for  my  Share  of  Disburse- 
ments towards  the  Cabbin — £4.11.4. 

Paid  it  thus.  Discounted  his  Barrel  of  Cheese  .  1.10.9 
Cash  in  Guineas 3.  0.7 


4.11.4 


Paid  him  at  the  same  time,  nine  Shillings  for  two  pounds 
of  Quick  Silver,  he  hath  in  his  hand  for  me ;  I  paid  him 
for  my  Wether-Glass  before,  10^  — :  in  all,  £0.19.0. 

Sept.  26.  Plimouth,  deliver'd  to  be  wash'd  2  Shirts,  2 
Handkerchifs,  5  Crovats,  1  Cap,  1  Binder. 


288  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [168f. 

London,  168f .     Massachusetts  Bay,  Dr. 
Feb.  11.     To  Cash  Lent  Mr.  Mather  ....  £50.  0.  0 
May  14.     Cash  dehver'd  Mr.  Eob't  Humphrys  .     20.  0.  0 
To  Mr  W?  Grymes,  past  Copy  Charter   .     .     .       2.10.10 
Aug.  10.     To  Mr.  Mather 27.  9.  2 


£100.  0.  0 
Aug.  21.  To  4  parcells^er  the  Deal-Hooker  .  £0.  2.  0 
To  WiUiam  Wilbore,  Searcher 0.  1.  0 

Aug.  13.  Cous.  Samuel  Sewall  hath  aboard  the  Amer- 
ica, Wm.  Clark,  Commander : 

Number  S.  S.  20  Punchin  Books :  No.  3  Punchin 
Cordage ;  4  Barrel  Cheese ;  5.  Barrel  Pease :  6.  7.  8 
Three  small  Trunks  with  his  childrens  Names,  the  first 
Letters  of  them  and  the  year  of  their  Birth.  9.  Barrel  of 
Books :  A  Map  of  England  and  London :  A  Sea-Chest : 
A  Bed,  Quilt,  4  Blankets ;  one  large  Trunk,  mark'd  with 
nails,  H.  S.  one,  (the  4^^)  small  one,  corded  with  Canvas : 
One  old  small  Trunk ;  one  Cheese  in  Lead,  mark'd  W.  Y. 
for  Capt.  Yaughan,  of  Portsmouth,  with  Thanks  for  his 
kind  Entertainment  of  me  at  his  house  :  one  Cheese  Store  : 
one  Deal  Box  of  Linen :  one  Box  Biskets :  1  Small  Case 
Liquors ;  1  great  Case  Bottles  (Liquors  in  Comon) :  Three 
Pastboard  Boxes,  with  Hats :  One  Angling  Rod  :  1  Hat  in 
a  Paper :  Two  Hampers,  1  Beer,  1  Ale  :  1  Ladder.  Mem- 
orandum, that  this  13^^  August,  '89,  I  drew  a  first  and  2"^ 
Bill  of  Exchange  on  Cous.  Sewall,  for  £5.  payable  to 
Henry  Benet,  of  Ipswich :  which  said  £5,  with  Mr.  W^ 
Whiting's  £5.  make  good  Cousin  St.  Sewall's  £10. 

4  good  Muffs  £2.6  :  two  of  the  best  £1.14.0.  Hats 
unpaid  for.  Above  is  Copy  of  what  Cousin  Hull  writt  at 
Gravesend. 

Plymouth,  Sep.  23.  Borrowed  of  Mr.  Thomas  Brattle, 
Cash,  Ten  Shilhngs :  fill'd  12  Bottles  with  Beer  at  the 
Ship,  the  same  day  £0.10.0. 


ir>8f.]  DIAKY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  289 

Sep.  25  paid  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Jeiiings  3!  for  our  Chamber 
and  Lodging  to  this  day,  ^  to  me  £0.1.6. 

[In  another  hand.] 

Plimouth  27*^  September  1689,  at  Mr.  Jennings,  neare 
the  Key. 

An  Account  of  Severall  things  on  board  the  America, 
Wm.  Clark,  Commander,  which  Mr.  John  Edwards  saith 
he  put  on  board  said  Ship  when  he  came  down  to  Graves- 
end  intending  to  have  gone  Chirurgeon  to  the  said  Ship, 
and  therefore  took  no  receipt  for  them.  J.  E.  a  box  of 
medicines,  cost  £15.15.7  store  :    1  box  with  a  jack  in  it, 

without  any  mark  on't 2.10.0 

1  fishing  net  call'd  a  Seyne,  put  up  in  a  powther  barrell, 

with  a  canvis  over  it,  and  not  marked  .  .  .  3.0.0 
J.  E.  store  1  box  with  Spice,  fruit,  &c,    ....       2.9.3 

£23.14.10. 

The  day  above-mention'd  Capt  Clark  was  here  and  told 
Mr.  Edwards  that  whatever  the  said  Edwards  had  aboard 
should  be  deliver'd  to  him  or  to  his  order,  and  that  he  would 
detain  nothing,  or  words  to  the  same  effect,  in  presence 
of  us,  Samuel  Sewall,  Tho.  Brattle. 

[Sewall  resumes.] 

Sept.  28,  paid  for  washing  Linen  at  Plymouth,  £0.1.4. 

Oct.  1.  Rec'd  of  Mr.  John  Jennings  Ten  pounds,  in 
consideration  of  Ten  pounds  my  Cousin  Hull  paid  his 
Daughter,  Anne  Searl,  in  London,  of  which  Mrs.  Searl 
hath  advised  her  Father,  £10.0.0. 

Oct.  2.  paid  my  Landlady,  Mrs.  Jennings  for  my 
Chamber,  3^  —  J  —  £0.1.6. 

Oct.  3.  To  a  Urinal,  which  is  in  the  great  Drawer  of 
my  Trunk,  0.0.6. 

Paid  Mr.  Partridge,  for  my  Self  and  Mr.  Brattle,  30^ 
each,  to  buy  Shoats,  &c,  for  the  Voyage  —  £3.0.0.  :  my 
part,  £1.10.0. 

19 


290 


DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL. 


[I68f 


Paid  Mr.  Brattle  three  pounds  ten  shillings  :  which,  with 
the  30^  above,  makes  five  pounds,  the  sum  Capt.  Ezek! 
Hutchinson  paid  Cous.  Hull  on  the  said  Brattle's  Account. 

Oct.  8,  1689.  Rec'd  of  Mr.  John  Jenings,  by  the  hand 
of  his  Wife,  Five  pounds,  for  which  have  drawn  a  Bill  on 
Cousin  Hull  of  the  same  sum,  payable  to  Mrs.  Anne  Searl, 
daughter  of  said  Jenings. 

Oct.  9.  paid  18"^,  my  proportion  for  the  Chamber  one 
week,  Diet,  and  Punch  last  night,  to  drink  with  our  Host 
and  hostess,  P  —  0.2.6. 

Nov.  26.     paid  to  the  Mariners  Purse,  £0.5^0. 

Dec.  4.  paid  Capt.  W""  Yaughan  fourty  shillings  N.  E. 
Money,  which  is  in  fall  of  what  I  borrowed  of  Mrs.  Mar- 
garet Yaughan  at  Portsmouth,  Nov.  30. 

Deer.  12.  Tho.  Read,  Sen^,  of  Sudbury  Acknowledged 
an  Instrument  to  his  Son  Thomas. 

Henry  Crane  and  Elisabeth  his  Wife  Acknowledged  a 
Deed  to  his  Son  Ebenezer. 

Dec.  27.  Lent  and  paid  to  Marshal  General  John  Green, 
Cash,  Tpiecesof  I  — £2.2.0. 

Jan.  27  '8f     Rec'd  of  Jno.  Edwards,  Chirurgeon,  ten 
shillings.     He  discounted  the  other  Ten  with  Mr.  Par- 
tridge, in  whoes  behalf  I  lent  it  and  charg'd  it  to   hi.-i 
Account.      Vide,  Oct.  7,  '89. 


Jan.    30. 

Henry  Hatsell  .... 

. 

£10.  0.  0. 

Feb.     1. 

Ward,  for  Books    .     .     . 

.     . 

12.  5.  6. 

>,       4. 

Remainder,  passage    .     . 

. 

4.  5.  0. 

„     11. 

Books 

. 

6.10.  0. 

??           ?? 

Hat,  Gloves,  Token    .     . 

.     .     • 

2.  9.  6. 

3?           ?? 

Mr.  Mather 

.     •     . 

50.  0.  0. 

„      12. 

Shoes  and  Gloves, .     .     . 

.     .     . 

1.  1.  6. 

99           99 

Rapier,   Stockings,  News, 

Books, 

Scales 

•     .     < 

2.14.  8. 

Cloak  and  Suit  .... 

.     •     t 

4.14.  5. 

Fruit,  Cranberries .     .     . 

.                 •                 4 

1.10.  0. 

\ 


J 


1688.]                         DIARY    OF    SAISIUEL    SEWALL.  291 

Mr.  Ive,  for  B.  Hal^ 72.  2.  7. 

Mugg, 2.  2.  0. 

May  14.     Massachusetts 22.10.10. 

„     22.     Books 5.  8.  2. 

„      25.     Fish  Tackle 1.  4.  6. 

„     27      pair  Stockings 0.  5.  0. 

„     30      Books 1.  2.  6. 

June  10.     Irel.  Prot.  [Protestants  of  Ireland]  1.  0.  0. 

„     15.     Cloths 3.10.  6. 

Books 4.  6.  6. 


£209.  3.  2. 

April  27.     Mills,  Brattle 6.  2.  0. 

30.     Fish  Geer,  Books 10.16.  3. 

May     3.     Ashwood 5.  2.  0. 

6 22.  8.10. 


£253.12.  3. 
To  James  Warner,  for  Money  rec'd  at  Boston         5.  0.  0. 


[We  omitted  to  note  that  one  of  Sewall's  fellow-passengers  on  the 
voyage  home  is  termed  by  him  (p.  279)  Mr.  Fanevol,  and  again 
(p.  281)  Mr.  Fanevill.  It  is  not  improbable  that  this  was  one  of  the 
three  Faneuils,  brothers,  one  of  whom  settled  in  Boston.  Savage, 
following  authorities,  doubts  if  Benjamin  and  John  ever  resided  here, 
though  Andrew  was  a  citizen.  But,  besides  the  evidence  of  their 
admission,  given  in  the  document  annexed,  we  find  other  proof.  In 
the  Boston  Tax  Lists  (First  Report  of  the  Record  Commissioners), 
in  the  tax  of  June,  1691,  in  the  sixth  division  or  ward,  all  three 
})rothers  are  assessed.  Benjamin  and  John  are  also  named  in  the 
list  of  inhabitants  for  1695. 

The  document  we  have  cited  is  printed  by  Drake,  and  is  found  in 
a  book  in  the  City  Clerk's  office,  containing  bonds  for  the  support  of 
persons  coming  to  reside  in  Boston  in  the  latter  part  of  the  seven- 
teenth century.  All  the  persons  named  are  in  the  tax-levy  of  June  1, 
1691,  and  we  conclude  that  the  entry  was  made  in  the  February  pre- 
ceding.   It  is  as  follows :  — ] 


292  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1691. 

["  Boston,  Feb.  1,  1691.  List  of  Persons  of  the  French  nation 
admitted  into  the  Colony  by  tlie  Governor  and  Councill. 

Peter  De  Yaux,  his  wife,  daughter  and  an  English  maid. 

Francis  Legare,  two  sons. 

James  Montier,  his  wife  and  English  maid. 

Isaac  Biscon,  his  wife. 

Benjamin  \ 

John  >-  Funell. 

Andrew    ) 

Doctor  Basset. 

Gabriel  Bernon. 

William  Barbut. 

Louis  Allare. 

Moses  Secq. 

Peter  Uringe.     to  give  Security  next  meeting." 

We  may  add  that  Moses  Secq  figures  on  the  list  as  Moses  le  Sec 
and  Moses  Dry.  Peter  Uring  was  probably  a  relative  of  Edward 
-Youringe  of  1674,  and  also  of  that  Captain  Nathaniel  Uring  who 
visited  Boston  between  1697  and  1721,  and  gave  a  descrij^tion  of  the 
town,  reprinted  by  Shurtleff  (434-5),  and  elsewhere.  — Eds.] 


[We  have  already  mentioned  the  fact  that  Sewall  made  notes  in 
the  Almanac  for  each  year,  perhaps  as  aids  to  his  more  extended 
diary,  and  have  given  such  extracts  as  served  to  increase  our  text. 
By  the  kindness  of  John  Ward  Dean,  Esq.,  the  accomplished  libra- 
rian of  the  New  England  Historic-Genealogical  Society,  we  have  had 
an  opportunity  to  examine  his  transcripts  of  these  Sewall  almanacs, 
made  years  ago. 

The  volume  for  1689,  being  the  period  of  Sewall's  sojourn  in  Eng- 
land, contains  so  many  interesting  items  omitted  in  his  diary,  that  we 
have  accepted  Mr.  Dean's  obliging  offer,  and  have  printed  nearly 
the  whole.  The  items  have  been  arranged,  so  far  as  possible,  chro- 
nologically. 

The  almanac  used  was  that  of  Thomas  Trigg,  published  in  Oxford 
and  London,  for  the  year  1689.  It  has,  besides  Sewall's  notes,  a  few 
by  Rev.  Thomas  Prince.  The  original  is  presumed  to  be  in  the 
Brinley  Library  at  Hartford.] 


1689.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  293 

[Sewall  has  jotted  down  in  one  place  the  following  table  :  — 

[1689.]    "  Wednesday,  Jan'y  16,  came  to  London. 
Wednesday,  Feb.  13th,  went  out. 
Satterday,  March  16,  into  London. 
Thorsday,  March  28,  went  out 
Monday,  Apr.  15,  came  into  London." 

It  will  be  noted  (ante^  pp.  248, 249)  that  the  diary  says  hardly  any 
thing  in  respect  to  these  two  journeys  ;  but  the  entries  in  the  Alma- 
nac are  very  full,  and  mention  many  interesting  particulars  as  to 
Sewall's  relatives  in  England.  —  Eds.] 


[Sabbath,  Janf  13,  168|.  Through  God's  Grace  landed  at  Dover 
about  9  or  10  aclock  with  Mr.  New^gate,  Mr.  Tuthill  and  his  Sister 
Mary  and  Monsier  Odell.  Mr.  Newgate  and  I  went  and  heard  one 
Mr.  Goff  in  a  kind  of  Malt-House.  In  Afternoon  all  went.  His  Text 
Isa.  ult.  V.  9th,  vid.  Sermon-book. 

Monday,  Jan""  14.  Rode  in  a  Coach  to  Canterbury,  after  had  view'd 
at  the  West,  King's  Lodging  &c.  'Tis  a  piece  of  work  that  at  first 
cost  Labour  and  Expence,  but  now  much  decay'd.  Getting  to  Can- 
terbury a  little  before  night  view'd  the  Cathedral,  which  is  a  very 
lofty  and  magnificent  building,  but  of  little  use.  Visited  Aunt  Fis- 
senden,  her  son  John  and  three  daughters  Mary,  Elisabeth,  and  Jane, 
as  I  take  it.  Cousin  Jn""  sup'd  with  us  at  the  Red  Lion.  I  should  have 
said  before  that  Dover  is  a  large  Town  like  a  Bow,  only  the  back  is 
thiiiest,  reaching  from  the  Fort  to  the  Castle.  A  convenient  Market- 
place and  Court  Chamber.  The  Harbour  not  altogether  unlike  Boston 
Dock  but  longer.  Two  Peers  to  keep  off  the  small  shingle  or  stones, 
and  that  also  clear'd  in  some  measure  by  a  small  River  whoes  head 
is  several  Miles  towards  Canterbury,  on  which  two  or  three  villages 
and  Water-Mills  for  Corn.  The  Town  built  chiefly  of  brick.  Houses, 
most  of  them  old,  some  very  fair  buildings.  Town  built  as  the  Cliff 
and  Sea  would  admit  back  of  the  Bow  toward  the  Cliff.  A  very 
handsom  square  of  Warehouses,  and  another  little  range,  both  more 
newly  built,  on  the  Beach,  which  made  a  good  shew  as  we  came 
ashore  in  one  of  the  Boats  that  came  for  a  Pilot. 

Tuesday,  Jan!  15.  Came  to  Rochester  through  Sittingburn  (where 
din'd)  and  Ranam  with  other  little  places.  No  room  in  the  Inn  by 
reason  of  Souldiers,  so  lodg'd  at  a  Coffee-House  over  against  the 
Assize-House  that  is  now  building. 

Tuesday,  May  21,  1689.  Elisabeth  King  was  maried  to  Henry 
Ward  whoes  Father  keeps  a  Coffee  H.  in  Bredstreet  London.  Maried 
in  Duke's  place.     Cous.  Hull  made  acc2  she  had  been  maiFied  some] 


294  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [168|. 

[Moneths  before  to  one  Wilson.     Receives  this  ace?  from  her  June 
18,  1689,  with  the  Certificat.  und""  Stephen  Denraan's  Hand. 

Feb.  18,  168|.  Writt  to  Tho.  Read  of  Gillingham  desiring  him 
and  the  Uncle,  in  whoes  hand  the  Bond  is,  to  give  me  a  meeting  at 
Salisbury.  I  can  give  an  authentick  discharge.  Send  me  an  answer 
by  the  first  oportunity  by  Penton  of  Rumsey  to  be  left  with  Mr.  Jn® 
Storke  of  said  Rumsey. 

Feb.  18,  168|     Winchester 

To  a  pr  Boots  Spurs  Sasoons 0-15-0 

To  the  Man 0-0-6 

A  Letter 0-0-2 

Tavern 0-0-6 

Bought  a  Bay  Horse  at  Winchester-Fair  for  which  am  to  pay  four 
pounds.     Cous.  Storke  Cr.  for  the  sum £4-0-0 

This  day  Feb.  18,  Reed  a  Letter  from  Cous.  Hull  at  Winchester 
which  gives  an  acco.  that  my  N.E.  friends  well ;  will  send  the  Letters 
by  the  Carrier. 

Febr.  19.  Went  to  Winchester  into  the  Hall  and  Arbour  to  see 
the  choice  of  Knights  of  the  Shire.  Jarvis,  Henly  and  Fleming 
stood.  It  came  to  the  Pole,  I  offer'd  my  Voice,  but  was  refus'd  be- 
cause I  would  not  lay  my  hand  on  and  kiss  the  book,  though  I  offer'd 
to  take  my  Oath. 

My  Rapier  was  broken  short  off,  I  supose  coming  down  the  steps 
into  Hall.  View'd  the  king's  [troup  ?]  Deliver'd  Mr.  Goldwier  the 
packet  of  Letters  in  the  Hall. 

Feb.  19.     Bought  a  Bridle,  Saddle,  Saddle  cloath  of  Cous.  Gilbert 

Bear,  for 0-6-  0 

A  new  Girt 0-0-  6 

Driver 0-0-10 

Febr.  20^?  Went  to  Baddesly  and  Yisited  Mr.  Goldw^ire  Father 
and  Son.  Mis  Gold  wire  is  gone  to  London.  Visited  Cousin  Rider, 
but  he  not  at  home.    Mr.  Goldwier  invited  me  to  stay  there  all  night. 

Saw  the  Stone  of  my  Aunt  Rider's  Grave.  She  died  March  21 
168|.     Lies  in  Baddesly  burying  place. 

Thorsday,  Feb.  21.  Cousin  Jane  Holt  came  in  the  morn  to  invite 
me  to  diiier.  I  went  with  my  Aunt  Alice  and  Cous.  Nath!  Had 
very  good  Bacon,  Veal,  and  Parsnips,  very  good  shoulder  of  Mutton 
and  a  Fowl  rosted,  good  Currant  suet  Pudding  and  the  fairest  dish 
of  Aples  that  I  have  eat  in  England.  From  thence  Cous.  and  I  went 
to  the  Church,  and  then  up  the  Street  to  a  Hill  where  we  saw  Win- 
chester and  Hampton  plain  ;  they  lye  pretty  near  North  and  South. 
Bell  was  ringing  for  a  Funeral,  so  Ch*"  open.  View'd  it.  Have  three 
good  Bells.     Sup'd  at  Uncle  Nathl^] 


16S|.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  295 

[Friday,  Febr.  22,  168|,  rid  to  Southton  with  Cousin  Nath!  YiewVl 
the  City.  Deliverd  Mr.  Biles  his  Letter,  and  Mr.  Rawling's  his 
Letters  to  Mrs.  Graunt,  and  to  Mis  Bernard  who  lives  now  with  Mr. 
Lee  the  Son,  she  being  remov'd  from  the  Water  Gate  :  So  had  a  fair 
oportunity  to  see  Mis  Phoebe  Lee  formerly  Gold  wire  :  She  enter- 
tain'd  us  with  a  great  deal  of  Respect  and  kindness.  Has  three  chil- 
dren, a  Son  and  two  Daughters,  eldest  ab*  six  years  old. 

Visited  Aunt  Hills  and  Cousin  Thomas  Dumer,  who  is  just  setting 
up  at  his  Mother's  house.  Saw  also  the  House  where  Cous.  served 
his  time  and  a  young  Maid,  comely  enough,  whom  some  allot  for  my 
Cousin.  Din'd  at  the  Dolphin  before  these  visits,  at  least  before  all 
save  Mr.  Biles.  Cousin  treated  me. 
To  the  Barber £0-0-6 

Enquir'd  of  Capt.  Dumer  as  came  home.  He  is  rather  worse  than 
when  we  were  there. 

Satterday,  Feb.  23,  ride  to  Bushnet  and  get  a  Shoe  set  on  upon 
my  Horse  4**.  —  This  day  Cous.  Xewman's  Man  comes  and  tells  my 
Aunt  that  his  Mistress  is  brought  to  bed  of  a  Son. 

February  23,  In  the  Afternoon  Cous.  and  I  goe  and  see  fair  Oak 
where  are  about  7  or  8  Houses.  Drank  a  Cup  of  Beer  at  the  Angel. 
—  To  a  Bag  2.2**,  Quire  Paper  at  Winchester  3*^,  which  Unkle  bought 
£0-2-5. 

Sabbath,  Febr.  24,  Went  and  heard  Dr.  May  preach  from  Eph. 
5.  11,  Have  no  fellowship  &g.  Made  a  good  Sermon  ;  among  other 
things  mentioned  erroneous  Worship  as  a  work  of  Darkness.  I  went 
not  in  till  they  began  to  sing.  Stoke  People  sing  well.  In  the  After- 
noon heard  Mr.  Leadbeter  at  Otterburn  ;  rid  most  part  of  the  way. 
He  Catechis'd  and  by  that  means  was  somewhat  hamper'd  in  his  Sur- 
plice and  Common  Prayer  because  had  left  some  till  after  Catechising. 
Text  was  out  of  Deut.  32.  36.  Shew'd  that  when  God's  people  lowest 
and  the  enemies  highest  God  usually  was  wont  to  help.  This  day 
Scripture  fulfill'd  in  your  ears.  God's  People  never  have  reason  to 
despair ;  wicked  never  secure.     Cous.  Mary  din'd  with  us. 

Febr.  25, 168|.  Went  to  Winchester  in  the  morning,  and  there  met 
with  my  Letters  from  my  dear  wife  and  New  England  Friends,  dated 
January  last.     Laus  Deo. 

To  a  pair  of  Buckles  for  Cousin  Sarah .    £0-3-3 

Spent  in  my  Journy 0-3-7 

View^'d  Winchester  CoUedge,  the  Chapel,  Library  built  in  the 
midst  of  the  Green  within  the  Cloisters.  Left  my  Indian  Bible  and 
Mr.  Mather's  Letter  there.  Was  shew'd  also  the  Hall  which  is  above 
Stairs.     Cous.  Bear  din'd  with  me  at  the  Checker. 

Febr.  26.  Reed,  of  Cous.  Nath.  Dumer  for  ace**  of  John  Edwards 
Cash  £3-0-0  Three  pounds  Engl.  Money.] 


296  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [16af. 

[Feb.  27  [originally  written  26  —  J.W.D.]  Lodg'd  in  Mr.  Gold  wire's 
best  Chamber  at  Baddesly.  Febr.  27,  din'd  there,  then  went  to  Ram- 
sey. Febr.  28,  Rid  to  Salisbury  and  paid  Madam  Sarah  Woodward 
Nine  Engl.  Crowns  in  full  for  Ten  pieces  of  Eight  for  William  Brown, 
Esq!"  of  Salem,  as  p  Rec*  writ  by  Mr.  Chauncellors  Clerk,  said  Chaun- 
cellor  being  at  London £2-5-0 

The  Chancellor's  clerk  shew'd  me  the  Cathedral,  Chapter  House 
and  Cloysters.  Chapter  H.  round  with  a  Pillar  in  the  middle  to 
suport  the  Roof.  Got  the  Organist  to  give  us  some  Musick.  Bp. 
Daven ant's  Tomb.  Shew'd  as  a  strange  thing  (a  Bishp  I  think)  that 
lay  North  and  South.  The  Cathedral  is  very  neat  and  stately.  Two 
Crosses  in  It.  Candles  on  the  Coinunion  Table,  so  at  Winchester. 
The  Bells  hang  in  a  Steeple  distant  from  the  Ch^  Tell  us  are  Twelve 
small  Chapels  for  Prayers  every  Hour.  The  Bible  over  the  Passage 
that  leads  into  the  Chorus,  that  so  Persons  may  hear  on  both  sides. 
The  Spire  is  excellent  for  height  and  beauty.  Din'd  with  the  Chan- 
cellor's Clerk.  His  Lady  gone  to  a  Christening,  that  it  was  invited 
and  could  not  stay,  but  shew'd  us  in  a  maiier  her  whole  House,  first 
Plate,  Library  and  Bedding.  Her  Daughter  of  4  moneths  old  whom 
took  out  of  the  Cradle  and  kiss'd  though  asleep. 

Febr.  28.  Rid  on  the  Povvny  to  go  to  Shaftisbury  but  raind  and 
wind  very  bleaky,  so  returnd  to  the  Wh*  Hart  again.  Ab*  an  Hour 
by  Sun  went  out  of  the  City  at  Fisherton  Bridge  to  goe  along  the 
villages  by  the  Bourn  towards  Mere.  Reach'd  to  Chilmark.  Lay  at 
the  Noggin  just  by  the  Ch^  on  a  Doust  [?]  Bed ;  rested  very  well.  Had 
the  ringing  of  the  four  Bells.  Pretty  handsom  Ch. ;  Steeple  in  the 
middle.  Four  Grave  Stones  like  the  roof  of  a  House ;  written  on 
the  side. 

Half  Bush!  oats  and  Super,  Breakfast £0-3-6 

Salisbury 1-8 

is  a  large  place  good  streets,  a  very  fair  Market  place  besides  a  butter 
Cross. 

From  Salisbury  to  Wilton,  and  so  on  throw  some  other  villages  to 
Chilmark,  where  lodgd  at  the  Noggin  near  the  Ch.  in  a  doust  [down  ?] 
Bed. 

March  1.  From  Chilmark  to  Hendon  a  Market  Town,  thence  to 
Fonthill  where  the  Springs  rise  so  thick  in  the  Gravelly  high-way 
that  in  less  than  i  of  a  Mile  the  stream  obtains  the  reputation  of  a 
little  river,  by  Sir  Edward  Cottington's  To  Barwick,  so  to  Mere 
where  saw  the  like  out  of  the  Hill  and  high  way.  Mere  is  a  compact 
Town,  and  the  Ch.  hath  a  good  handsome  Steeple  with  four  Pyra- 
mids at  top.  To  Gillingam  a  convenient  place.  Lay  at  the  Red 
Lion.     Deliver'd  my  Letters  to  mr.  Richard  and  Jn"*  Pern.     Satter-] 


1681]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SETVALL.  297 

[day  March  2^  rid  to  Shaftisbury,  a  pretty  fair  Town  built  with  stone, 
Chimnyes  and  all,  some  Houses  thatcht,  some  coverd  with  stone, 
Two  Churches  on  the  Hill,  Trinity  and  St.  Peters,  great  Market  of 
wheat.  Barley,  Beans,  Beef,  Mutton,  Leather,  Cloaths  &c.  The  part 
of  the  Town  next  Gillingani  fetches  water  at  the  foot  of  the  Hill  out 
of  Gill.  Liberty  in  consideration  of  which  pay  a  Calvs  head.  Pair 
fringe  Gloves  of  a  Noble. 

Gillingham  March  2^  168f ,  Reed,  of  Mr.  John  Pern  One  Guiney  to 
give  to  Mr.  Edward  Rawson  with  a  Letter. 

With  Bread  and  Beer,  a  Duz.  or  two  Come  dancing  down  the 
Hill  the  Monday  before  ascension  day ;  i.e.  the  two  persons  last  mar- 
ried whom  they  call  the  Lord  and  Lady,  but  now  generally  there  is 
a  stated  Dancer,  a  merry  arch  jocose  Man,  who  procures  a  Lady.  A 
Horse  carries  ab*  Sixteen  Gallons  in  two  Tuns,  which  is  worth  two 
pence,  to  some  of  the  farthest  Houses  from  the  Wells.  One  well  is 
for  washinor,  the  other  for  brewingr.  I  saw  a  Horse  load  from  the 
washing  well ;  a  furse  keeps  the  water  from  flapping  out.  Lodg'd  in 
the  Crown  at  the  red  Lion  in  Shaftsbury. 

March  4,  Went  to  Gillingham  and  from  thence  to  Meere,  so  to 
Wylie,  lay  at  the  Bull.  March  5,  to  Winterburn  Stoke  a  small 
village  by  a  Bourn  four  miles  from  Wilie.  When  on  the  Downs  ab* 
two  mile  from  W.  Stoke  saw  Yarnborough  Castle,  which  hath  ab* 
three  ditches,  the  inermost  deep  and  large  q*  within  a  great  quantity 
of  ground,  the  ground  hath  such  a  descent  that  being  rid  in  could  not 
see  the  other  Ditch  on  the  contrary  side,  q!  a  pretty  many  acres  of 
ground,  lies  in  an  orbicular  form.  From  thence  to  Stonehinge,  four 
miles  from  W.  Stoke  are  nine  transverse  stones,  three  of  them  to- 
gether, the  other  single  because  I  supose  their  fellows  fallen  down 
and  so  there  is  a  discontinuance,  rid  through  between  some  ;  but 
others  the  suporters  stand  so  close  canot.  Almsbury  to  the  eastward 
of  this  place.  The  suporters  have  round  Tenons,  and  the  transverse 
pieces  mortices.  From  Stonige  rid  to  Lake  and  Durnford  ab*  two 
miles  off  upon  a  pleasant  Bourn  from  Almsbury  which  runs  to  Salis- 
bury. From  thence  four  miles  to  Salisbury,  went  to  old  Sarum,  rid 
up  to  the  highest  sumit.  Are  very  deep  Ditches  something  like  Dover 
Castle,  only  Sarum's  walls  all  gone  save  some  little  part  or  fragment 
of  Flint  wall  in  one  place  and  other  stone  in  another.  From  thence 
to  the  Plume  of  Feathers  in  Salisbury  where  were  entertained  in  the 
Lamb.     From  thence  home  ab*  Sunset.     Deo  Gloria. 

Bought  a  whip  at  Salsbury  1.6*^,  two  p'  sizers  for  my  Daughters 

L2^ 0-3-8 

At  Shaftsbury  Gloves 0-3-6 

two  p""  for  my  Daughters,  18^,  p'  for  Cous.  Mercy.] 


298  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [168f. 

[Spent  I  supose  in  the  Journy  ab*  40  or  50*.   Bore  Cous.  Stork's 

charges £2-10-0 

Wensday  March  6.  Went  to  Lee.  Saw  my  House,  Barns  and 
Ground,  there  are  Seven  Closes,  two  very  fair  ones  besides  the  Or- 
chard Ground  and  Half  an  Acre  just  by  mr.  Nowes's  house.  Visited 
him.  He  offers  me  four  Hundred  Pounds  for  my  Bargain.  The 
Tenants  wife  teaches  scholars,  One  was  reading  whom  I  markt  and 

gave  them  6*^  to  buy  Aples £0-0-6 

Thorsday  March  7*^  Reed,  of  Cous.  Jn°  Stark,  8  half  Crowns,  Engl. 

Money £1-0-0 

Thorsday,  March  7.  Went  from  Rumsey  to  Redbridge  just  below 
which  is  the  Landing  place  ab*  4  miles  from  Rumsey.  From  thence 
throw  Milburn  to  Southampton.  Heard  mr.  Robinson  sitting  in  mr. 
Taylor's  Pue.  Text,  as  I  remember,  out  of  Rom.  6.  3.  Know  ye  not 
&c.  Said  they  who  were  call'd  to  teach  were  call'd  to  baptise  though 
they  were  not  settled  Officers ;  They  who  hold  forth  the  Covenant  of 
Grace,  may  set  the  Seal  to  it.  Philip  the  Deacon  :  Apostles  not 
Apostles  till  after  Christ's  Ascention,  for  till  then  sent  only  to  the 
Jews,  yet  they  baptised.  Seem'd  to  say  must  be  a  Sermon  or  the  like 
at  Baptisme.  This  day  Mr.  Tomlin  baptiseth  Warner  Newnam  at 
Stoke,  Preaches  at  Unkle  Duiner's.  After  Sermon  went  into  mr. 
Robinson's  and  sat  with  him,  mr.  Thornes,  mr.  Lee  the  Father,  rar. 
Watts,  mis  Robinson.  Went  home  with  Jane  Kirby,  Cous.  Tho. 
Holt's  mistress ;  but  I  knew  it  not  till  he  met  her  ;  it  being  late,  and 
I  observ'd  a  boy  run  parallel  with  us  in  the  Grounds  and  ask'd  her 
about  it ;  I  took  him  up  ;  and  when  set  him  down  by  the  Mill,  Lent 
him  half  a  Crown  to  buy  Paper  and  Quills,  told  him  if  learnd  to 
write  and  read  well,  'twas  his,  if  not,  must  have  it  again  with  I  know 
not  how  much  interest  and  put  him  to  a  great  deal  of  trouble. 

Friday,  March  8,  Unkle  Richard,  Cous.  Nath.  and  I  went  to  Hat- 
terworth,  there  din'd  with  Fritters  at  Good  wife  Caller's  where  Me- 
hetabel  Holt  lives,  thence  to  Rumsey  and  Lee,  take  Livery  and  Seisin 
of  my  Tenement.     To  Stoke. 

Satterday,  March  9.  Ride  to  Tichfield,  view  the  Church  and  mr. 
Oakes's  Pulpit,  removd  from  the  Pillar  where  it  stood  in  his  time  to 
the  other  side.  Sexton  spake  much  in  's  praise  and  enquired  after 
his  Children.  Saw  Mis.  Bromfield's  Monument  who  died  1618.  Din'd 
with  Cous.  Tho.  Duiner,  bought  the  first  pound  of  Tobacco  which  he 
sold  in  a  Fair.  Cous.  Nath.  accompanied  me  to  Kirbridg,  from  thence 
alone,  saw  my  Lord  Southampton's  seat  by  the  way,  is  a  small  Town. 
From  thence  I  rid  alone  to  Gosport  ab*  6.  miles.  Gosport  is  com- 
pass'd  with  a  form'd  Bank  and  Ditch  which  I  walkd  all  round.  Is 
two  or  three  good  streets  in  't  but  they  are  not  long.  Pretty  good 
houses.] 


168f.]  DIAKY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  299 

[Mar.  10  would  have  heard  mr.  Gold  wire,  bu.t  mr.  Beamont  the 
Minister  of  Faream  preached  from  Ps.  45,  15.  Doct.  Interest  and 
Duty  of  Christians  to  rejoice  in  Chs*  made  good  profitable  Sermons  ; 
but  I  think  might  have  been  more  so,  if  had  us'd  the  Metaphor  of 
Bridegroom  and  Bride,  which  heard  not  of.  Sat  in  the  Afternoon  in 
mr.  Lock's  seat,  who  has  the  best  House  in  Town. 

Monday,  March  11,  Went  to  Portsm?,  Mr.  Barton  shew'd  me  the 
Fortifications,  with  whom  din'd,  visited  Cous.  Dumer,  saw  the  Dock, 
long  Storehouse  where  Cables  lye  at  length,  Royal  Charles  136  foot 
by  the  Keel,  to  the  Sun  at  the  Red  Lion  again  and  so  to  Tichfield, 
where  lodgd  at  the  Bull. 

March  12.  To  Bussledon  where  a  Pink  leaving  with  Charcole  out 
of  Tichfield  Park  for  Cornwall,  to  Itching  Ferry  after  had  viewd 
Peartree  Chapel,  Madam  Mills  Daughter  and  two  or  3  more  accom- 
panying me,  is  a  plain  Chapel  of  Stone  covered  with  Tile.  Rails  of 
Burying  place  are  mostly  fasten'd  in  a  circle  of  living  Trees  :  Is  Ser- 
vice there  but  once  a  fortnight.  Saw  no  Memorandum  of  Richard 
Smith  Esq'  the  Builder.  To  Rumsey,  visited  Mr.  Warren,  gave  him 
Twenty  Shillings,  visited  mr.  Burbenk.  —  N.  at  Portsm?  saw  plenty 
of  Shrimps  which  are  took  at  Porchester. 

March  13,  168|  Reed,  of  Amie  Gales  Fifteen  pounds  Money  with 
some  Abatements  by  reason  of  extraordinary  Losses,  and  extream 
lowness  of  the  price  of  Corn,  is  in  full  for  One  years  Rent  of  my 
Tenement  at  Lee,  ending  this  present  Moneth  the  five  and  twentieth 
day  1689.  Abatements  relate  to  several  years.  S.S.  Reed.  XY£ 
£15-0-0. 
Reed  of  Cous.  Storke  22  pr.  Wom«  Stockins  n°  30  at  24«  6^ 

g  Duz £2-5-0 

Item  4  Duz.  ditto  at  20*  6^^  g  Duz  N°  24 4-2-0 

It^  16  pr.  wom«  at  1"  g  pair  N"  16 0-16-8 

7  pr.  Mens  coloured  at  3*  6^  N°  20 1-4-6 

6  pr.  Youths  at  18"^  pr.  N°  24 0-  9-0 

8-17-2 
8  Duz.  3  pr.  in  all. 

March  14, 168|  Reed,  of  Cous.  Nathi  Dummer  Hair  Buttons 

21  Gross  at  2"  6*^  g  Gross 2-9-0 

9  Gross  ditto 1-1-0 

Cash 2-12-6 

Charges  reckoning  nothing  for  time  :  made  two  journeys  to 

Ashley  near  Limington  aV  30  miles  off  Feb.  26  ...     .  -17-6 

7-  0-0 
Which  with  3£  before  is  in  full  of  Jn°  Edwards's  ten  pounds.] 


800  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [168f. 

[Reed,  of  Cous.  Dumer  on  aec?of  Bro'  Stephen  Sewall  Cash 

Engl.  Money £0-11-2 

Reed,  of  Cous.  Dumer  for  Mrs.  Batter  to  lay  out  in  Silver 

Spoons 5-16-3 

five  pounds  sixteen  shillings  and  3d. 

Mark  ^^^ 

Thorsday  March  14, 168|.  To  Cous.  Jane  Holt  a  broad  pss  £1-3-  6 
Cousin  Mercy  Stork  yesterday  6.6*^,  and  18*^  before  in  Shaf- 

tisbury  Gloves 0-7-  0 

To  Cous.  Jn''  pr.  Buckles 0-5-  0 

Thomas,  Cash 0-3- 

3  little  sons,  Philip, and  Sam 0-7-  6 

Two  Girls  before  had  Primers 0-0-  6 

March  15  To  Cous.  Sam.  at  Bp.  Stoke  Gold  Crown     .     .     .  0-5-10 

Cous.  Stephen    . 0-2-  6 

Cous.  Sarah  ^  Crown  and  pr.  Buckles  before  ab'  3  or  4^  .     .  0-6-  0 

Boy  and  Maid 0-2-  0 

To  Cous.  Abigail,  Unckle  Nath's  Eldest  Daughter.     .     .     .  0-2-  6 

Din'd  there  with  very  good  Beef,  Bacon  and  rost  fowls.  Company 
Unkle,  Aunt,  Aunt  Alice,  Cous.  Stephen  Winchester  Butcher  — 

Left  with  Mr.  Richard  Dumer  my  Unkle  ^  Crown  for  Debo- 
rah Rider,  and  ^  Crown  to  each  of  Aunt  Sarah's  Children         0-7-6 

Deborah  with  Tears  shew'd  my  last  Letter  to  her  Mother,  who  I 
think  was  dead  before  it  was  writt. 

Friday,  March  15,  Unkle  Stephen  sick  on  bed  with  a  Crick  ins 
Back.  Unkle  Richd.  goes  on  foot  to  Winchester,  Cous.  Nath.  and  I 
ride  to  see  his  house  at  Compton  by  the  way  which  stands  very  con- 
veniently ab*  ^  mile  from  the  Ch^  2  from  Wr. 

At  the  Checker  have  a  Hogs  Cheek  Souct,  Send  for  Cous.  Gilbert 
Bear  and  Cous.  Jn°  Duiiier ;  I  treat  them  with  Ale  and  Wine,  but 
Unkle  Richd  will  Call  for  one  Pint  and  indeed  Cous.  Mercy  Stork 
and  he  seem  the  most  kind  of  all  my  Relations.  At  Winchester  reed. 
Mr,  Tliorner's  Letter  of  Mrs.  Widell,  who  is  a  Shipmasters  wife  and 
with  her  Daughter  Hunt  and  D'r.  in  law  Widell,  are  going  to  meet 
their  Husbands,  one  Winchester  Gentlewoman ;  From  Farnum  to 
Bagshet  5  women  and  one  Man  —  there  took  in  a  Souldier  instead 
of  the  woman.  At  Winchester  had  of  Mr.  Edward  Grace  by  his 
man  Edward  Hooker  a  bill  of  £20  on  Mr.  Tho.  Abney  at  the  Crown 
in  Cornhill  for  Twenty  pounds  2'  6**  paid  there  £20-2-6,  Date  March 
15,  1688. 

Satterday  March  16.     Capt.  Widell  was  at  Holburn  with  his  Son] 


168f.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  301 

[and  Son  in  Law  to  meet  their  Wives,  I  drunk  a  Pint  wine  with  them 
and  took  leave.  Mrs.  Widell  the  Mother  was  very  good  Company  and 
so  the  rest. 

Sabbath  March  17.     The  Ld.  Mayor  Chapman  dyes  in  the  morn. 

Monday  March  18,  Went  and  saw  the  Jews  burying  Place  at  Mile- 
End  :  Some  Bodies  w^ere  laid  East  and  West ;  but  now  all  are  orderd 
to  be  laid  North  and  South.  Many  Tombs.  Engravings  are  Hebrew, 
Latin,  Spanish,  English,  sometimes  on  the  same  stone.  Part  of  the 
Ground  is  improv'd  as  a  Garden,  the  dead  are  carried  through  the 
keepers  house.  First  Tomb  is  abt  the  year  1659.  Brick  wall  built 
ab*  part.  Ont  's  two  sides  5444,  Christi  1684,  Tamuz  21,  June  23, 
as  I  remember.  —  I  told  the  keep'  afterwards  wisht  might  meet  in 
Heaven  :  He  answ^erd,  and  drink  a  Glass  of  Beer  together,  which  we 
w^ere  then  doing. 

March  28,  1689.  With  Mr.  Mather  and  his  son  Sain  went  in  the 
Coach  of  Abbington  to  Hounslo,  so  to  Colebrook  and  to  Maidenhead 
22  miles  from  London.  Sam.  and  I  went  to  Bray-Ch.  and  writt  out 
2  Epitaphs  by  Candlelight.  Maidenhead  belongs  to  the  Parishes  of 
Bray  and  Cookam.  Is  only  a  Chapel  of  ease  at  M.  head.  A  Nonconf. 
Minister  Mr.  Brice  preaches  in  a  Barn.  Outside  the  Hart  is  in  Bray, 
other  side  of  the  way  is  in  Cookam.  I  din'd  alone  at  Colebrook  with 
a  Bullock's  Cheek.  Ab*  6.  aclock  Mr.  Mather,  Son  and  I  sup'd  on  two 
Dunghill  fowls.  Mr.  Mather  prays  and  we  get  to  bed  just  at  nine. 
Bray  Ch.  a  mile  off  the  nearest  way. 

Friday  March  29,  to  Abbingdon.  Lodge  with  Mr.  Dauson,  find 
He  has  Mis  Dulcibella  Garbrand,  mr.  Dunches  Grandch.,  by  his 
Daughter  Beck.  She  has  a  daughter  Martha  4  years  old  a  very 
desirable  child.  Mis  Jane  Cave  also  lives  in  the  House,  a  Border. 
Satterday  March  30  Mr.  Mather  and  we  ride  in  the  Coach  to  Oxford 
5  miles,  little  ones,  costs  us  12^  of  which  I  pay  5  and  mr.  Mather  the 
rest.  See  the  Colledges  and  Halls,  New-Colledge,  Maudlin  and  Christ 
Ch.  do  most  excell.  At  New-Col.  eat  and  drank  Ale,  wine.  Lent  Cakes 
full  of  Currants,  good  Butter  and  Cheese,  by  means  of  Mr.  Benj.  Cut- 
ler the  Butler,  to  whom  D'.  Woodward  sent  a  Letter  on  my  behalf. 
Saw  the  Theatre  and  Schools  Congregation-House.  To  Abingdon. 
On  the  Sabbath  March  31,  Mr.  Dauson  preaches  in  the  morn.  Come 
to  me  all  weary.  Mr.  Mather  in  afternoon.  All  are  siiiers,  w^hich 
preach  before  at  Mr.  James's,  vide.  Monday  Ap.  1,  very  w^indy,  yet 
view  Abingdon,  the  river  Occe  which  gives  name  to  Occ-street  ruiiing 
at  the  bottom  of  the  Gardens  of  one  side  the  street,  there  Pikes  and 
Perch  are  catcht,  Occ  Eels  also  are  famous.  On  it  stands  a  mill  and 
just  w^here  it  falls  into  the  Thames  there  is  a  Stone  Bridge  for  Horse 
and  foot.     Their  flat  Boat  ly  there  which  carry  Seven  Hundred] 


302  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [168f 

LQuarters  of  Malts,  which  they  count  seventy  Tun.  Have  Flashes  to 
help  them  over  the  Shallow  places.  Tuesday  Ap.  2,  View  the  Hos- 
pital, old  Town-Hall  the  place  where  the  Abby  was  which  in  prece- 
dency next  to  Glastenbury,  and  in  Revenue  above  it.  Ch.  hath  5 
lies.  Ab*  300  Soldiers  come  to  Town,  so  Horses  press'd  that  could 
not  get  out.  Mr.  Dauson  preaches  to  the  Youth  at  his  House,  They 
that  seek  me  early  shall  find  me.  — 

Copy  of  a  Letter  to  Edward  Barnard  of  Meer  from  Shatsbury 
March  2^  168|.  Edw.  B.  Tis  rainy  wether  and  late,  so  that  I  shall 
hardly  get  to  Rurasey  by  night,  so  purpose  to  stay  at  this  Town,  and 
being  desirous  of  a  peacable  Issue  as  to  the  business  I  spake  to  you 
of  yesterday  at  your  house,  intend  to  be  at  Gillingam  next  Monday, 
where  you  may  meet  me  at  the  Red  Lion  by  9  or  10  in  the  morn. 
Farmer  Read  has  his  cancell'd  Bonds  to  justify  his  payment  of  mine 
and  twenty  pounds  to  you  for  your  Cousin  Richd.  Cornish,  20^  abated 
because  the  Money  paid  before  the  time.  It  seems  your  neighbour 
Tho.  Fry  was  present  when  the  Money  was  paid  you.  Is  an  order 
from  Rich'd  Cornish  for  Three  pounds  fifteen  shillings  to  Tho.  Hooder 
which  is  indors'd  on  one  of  the  Bonds. 

Rumsey  March  6,  168|  NB.  A  Deed  from  my  Father  to  me  dated 
Oct-  16, 1680,  of  Lee  Land  without  any  entail  is  in  the  hand  of  Cous. 
Storke  with  Widnell's  Deed  in  a  black  box  q*  in  another  wooden 
box.  Witnesses,  B.  Alford,  Tho.  Barrett,  Jer.  Duiner,  Edw.  Brom- 
field,  Lancelott  Lake,  Jn**  Hayward,  Eliezer  Moodey. 

March  12,  168|  Rec^  of  Gales  Thirteen  pounds  Ten  shil- 
lings in  part  for  this  years  Rent £13-10-0 

My  Aunt  Mehetabel  Holt  died  September,  1677,  in  the  38'^  year 
of  her  Age. 

[In  a  different  handwriting,  or  perhaps  in  two  different  hands.] 

To  Captain  Humfry  South  in  Crutched  fryars  Merchant  or  on  the 
Barbadoes  Walk. 

Mr.  Jn°  Wilmot  Bookseller  in  Oxford. 

March  30  Receivd  in  part  of  30"  five  shill  by  me  John  Wilmot. 

William  Lee,  late  of  this  Borough  of  Abbingdon  Gent,  a  principal 
Burgess  and  5  times  Mayor,  continued  a  principal  Burges  53  years, 
Gov'  of  Chr*"  Hospital  in  Abbingdon  52  years,  Master  of  said  Hospi- 
tal 6  times  and  continued  senior  Gov'  36  years.  Was  in  Religion 
zealous,  in  his  dealings  just,  loving  to  his  children,  charitable  to  the 
poor,  courteous  to  all.  Died  Novf  5,  1637,  ^tat.  94.  Had  issue 
from  his  Loyns  in  his  Life-time  two  hundred  lacking  two.] 


1689.]  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  303 

[By  Jane  Lapton  had  two  sons,  by  Katharin  Wright  four  sons  and 
eleven  Daughters.     His  third  wife  Kath.  Liddal  had  no  children. 

Mis  Jane  Cave  is  of  the  Father,  her  fathers  name  was  Thomas 
Clempson  married  to  Katharin  Lee. 


Abbingdon  Apr.  1,  1689.     A  Letter  from  Mis  Jane  Cave  to  her 
kinswoman  Davis  with  ^  Crown  inclosed,  dwells  with  Mr.  Morton. 

All  the  above  children  proceeded  from  Kath.  Wright  save  29  from 
Jane  Lapton. 

198 
29 


Kath.  Wright 169 

Children 17 

Grandch 78 

Great  Grandchildren 103 


198 

Gentlewoman  is  of  Kath"  Wright,  her  Grand-child. 

Apr.  1,  1689. 

Dr.  Owen  was  of  Queen's  CoUedge  in  Oxon,  Dr.  Tho.  Barlow  Bp. 
of  Lincoln  still  living  was  his  Tutor  being  then  Fellow  of  said  Col- 
lege, said  Barlow  was  afterwards  Provost  of  it.  Dr.  Owen  was 
afterwards  Dean  of  Christ-Church.  Principal  only  of  Brasen-nose, 
Master,  Warden,  Praesident,  Provost,  Dean  only  of  Christ-Ch.  —  All 
the  Heads  of  the  Halls  are  by  one  name  call'd  Principals.  Ap.  2, 
1689.     Teste  Thoma  Dauson. 

Dr.  Goodwin  was  Praesident  of  Magdalen  CoUedge. 

Mr.  Roe  a  young  Minister  can  inform  concerning  the  family  of  the 
Norcott's.     Mr.  Gales  was  his  Tutor. 

Wednesday,  Ap.  3,  went  to  Mr.  Jenings,  where  had  Ale  and  Cider, 
thence  to  Oxford  in  the  Rain.  Mr.  Gilbert,  a  Bachelour  of  Divinity 
shew'd  us  the  Bodleian  Library  which  is  an  Ach,  H,  a  very  magnifi- 
cent Thing.  The  Galleries  very  magnificent  about  44  of  my  Canes  in 
length  and  near  8  in  Breadth.  I  lookt  in  one  book,  (a  came  out  ?) 
which  in  Cuts  sets  forth  the  Glory  of  Old  Rome.  Mr.  Gilbert  gives 
us  a  pint  of  wine.     Lodge  at  the  Bear  Inn. 

Leave  the  Horse  of  William  Matthews  who  keeps  the  Cross-Keys 
in  Abbingdon,  at  the  Roe  Buck  in  Oxford.  Am  to  pay  7'  for  the 
Journey  and  12"*  a  day  for  every  working  day  beyond  seven  working 
dayes.  Give  the  Keeper  of  the  Roe-buck  6"*  if  I  leave  not  the  Horse 
with  him  on  a  Market  day,  Wednesday,  Satterday.     Agreed  with] 


304:  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1689. 

[Stiles  on  the  same  terms,  am  to  leave  his  Horse  at  the  Cross  Keys  in 
Oxford,  to  begin  to  morrow,  Ap.  4*\ 

Ap.  4,  89,  left  my  Cane  cuzen  [?]  and  Box  of  Linen,  silk  stockings, 
Gloves,  with  Jn**  Wilmot  of  Oxford  the  Booksellers  son. 

Dr.  Nehemiah  Grew  son  of  Dr.  Obadiah  Grew  formerly  of  Baliol 
Colledg,  Oxford,  lives  at  Racket  Court  in  Fleet-Street  near  Shoe- 
Lane. —  Leave  a  Ps.  B.  there.     Dine  with  Dr.  Grew  Ap.  8. 
Leave  Bodicot  i  mile  left  H. 

Lodge  at  the  Unicorn  Mr.  Stiles,  where  also  the  Lord  Brooks 
Lodges  in  's  way  to  London,  just  by  the  Market  House  six  Pillars 
of  a  side.  Abbingdon  has  a  stately  market  house  on  square  Pillars, 
in  the  Town  hall  the  Meeting  is. 

Ap.  4.     Mr.  Holland  a  Fellow  of  Corpus  Christi  shews  me  his 
Chamber  Cellar,  Library  aV  the  bignes   of   our  Chapel  where  saw 
Dr.  Jn°  Reynolds  Monum*  who  was  President  of  said  College.     Said 
Holland  treated  me  very  civilly  though  told  him  was  a  N.  E.  Man. 
Thorsday  Aprl.  4.     I  ride  to  Kidlington    4  m. 

Dedington   10 
Attlebury,  through  a  bad  Ford,    2 
Warwick  Apr.  5,  1689.     St.  Mary's  Chapel.     Richd  Beucamp's 
Statue  in  Brass  very  lively,  veins  and  nails  of  's  hands,     died  1439. 
Robert  Dudley  in  Alabaster.     Spe  certa  resurgendi  in  Christo  hie 
situs  est  &G.     Obijt  7,  4,  1588.     Earl  of  Leicester. 

Ld.  Brook,  slain  at  Leicester,  in  another  part  with  a  stately  Marble 
round  the  edge  of  which  is  engraven,  —  Fulke  Grevil  servant  to  Queen 
Elisabeth,  Councillor  to  K.  James,  and  Friend  to  Sir  Philip  Sidney. 
No  Statue.     But  Marble  Pillars  ab*  the  Stone. 

Satterday  Apr.  6,  Got  well  to  Coventry  about  an  hour  by  Sun. 
By  mistake  of  the  Christian  name,  I  goe  to  a  King  that  is  member  of 
the  Ch.  to  which  Mr.  Blower  preaches.  He  informs  me  of  Dr.  Grew 
and  that  they  have  the  Lord's  super.  I  wait  on  the  Dr.  who  receives 
me  very  candidly  and  kindly  but  refers  me  to  Mr.  Briant  because  He 
cant  be  abroad.     Lodge  at  the  K's  Head. 

Hie  recLibat  dilecta  Philemonis  uxor  Holandi 
Anna  pudicitiae  non  ulli  laude  secunda. 
Quadraginta  octoque  afios  quae  nupta  marito 
Septem  illi  pueros  enixa  est  tresque  puellas 
Lactavitque  omnes,  Genetrix  eadem  et  pi  a  Nutrix 
Septuaginta  duos  vitse  numeraverat  anos,  &c. 
Sancta  vixit 
Sancta  obuit 
in  Festo  omnium  sanctorum.     1627  — 
Out  of  S»  Trinity  Chh.  Coventry,  Ap.  8. 

Hen.  Sewall  1587 
Hen^  Sewall  1606] 


1869.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  305 

[Ap.  7.   went  to  Leather  Hall  and  heard  my  namesake 
Shewell  preach  in  the  morn.   Mr.  Briant  administered  the  Sacrament, 
Eating  and  drinking  first  himself,  then  Mr.  Shewell,  then  the  Deacons, 
then  every  one,  saying  Take,  eat  this  in  remembrance  of  Chr*.    Might 
be  200  Coiiiunicants. 

Mr.  Briant  preaches  in  the  afternoon.    I  hear  Mr.  Blower  between. 

Monday  Ap.  8.  I  view  Bp  Gate  street.  Mr.  Tho.  King  is  dead, 
was  a  great  Persecutor  and  help'd  to  put  Dr.  Grew  in  prison.  Just 
above  Bp  Gate  there  is  a  Cistern  of  ab'  17  yards  square,  the  water 
brought  in  a  leaden  Pipe  2  mile  off,  depth  5  or  6  foot,  from  thence 
the  water  runs  into  Brewing  Vessels  just  within  the  Gate.  View'd 
the  Water  work,  the  Wheel  is  over-shot,  3  Suckers,  the  water  brought 
from  a  Spring  partly  throng  the  Pool  in  Pipes.  Pool  serA^es  only  to 
drive  the  whei^l,  Water  carried  to  the  heart  of  the  City.  Went  into 
S*  Michaels  steeple  which  the  Sexton  tells  me  is  higher  by  several 
yards  than  the  Monum*,  a  wager  of  20'  laid  aV  it  and  a  man  sent  on 
purpose  to  measure  it.  The  Cross  is  a  noble  thing.  Gilded,  and  many 
Kings,  but  not  high,  but  little  higher  than  the  Houses.  Alderman 
Owen  shew'd  me  the  City  Hall,  where  saw  my  gr*  Grandfathers  name 
without  any  alias.  Shew'd  me  St.  Mary  Hall  which  is  a  fair  Thing 
and  good  Accoinodati.  for  publick  Feasts  and  Treatments. 

The  Room  at  entrance  of  which  the  Maiors  names  are,  is  calPd 
the  Maiors  Parlour.  Din'd  with  Dr.  Obadia  Grew  and  his  Daughter 
and  2  Kinswomen. 

Tuesday  Apr.  9,  Din'd  with  mr.  Sam  Blower  and  his  wife,  then 
went  to  Capt.  King's  in  Mich-Park  Street  where  was  Prayer  by 
Briant,  a  Bro-  mr.  Wills,  and  mr.  Blower  preach'd,  Mr.  Shewel 
prayd  too.  No  Singing.  Visited  Cousin  Powers,  and  Cous.  Lap- 
worth,  whose  maiden  name  was  Ann  Lee,  hath  a  son  at  London  Bp. 
G[ate]  Street  near  the  Bull,  a  Daughter  at  Eltham  in  Kent  and  a 
Daughter  Mary  at  home  of  ab*  20  years  old  a  handsom  maid.  I  per- 
ceiv  two  Pastures  worth  ab*  40£  ^  anum  are  divided  between  that 
Powers  and  2  daughters  of  which  this  Lapworth  one.  Powers's  was 
first  gi\  en  to  his  Bro"",  is  call'd  Barnfield  hard  by  the  City.  Is  more 
Land  at  Stoke  given  by  my  Aunt  Randall  as  this  was.  Told  them 
who  I  was  and  offer'd  to  confirm  their  Right.  Lapworth  said  he 
would  not  give  3^  Anne  his  wife  knew  my  father  and  Mother  at 
Warwick.  Wednesday  Ap.  10,  Had  3  of  the  City  Waits  bid  rae 
good  morrow  with  their  wind  Musick.  —  Went  to  Warwick  found 
Mis  Tuckey  still  from  home,  tells  me  by  a  Letter  that  will  come 
home  on  Friday  morn  :  I  sent  a  Letter  to  her  by  W™  Claridge. 
Thorsday  Apr.  11"*  good  weather,  pretty  deal  of  sunshine  and  no 
Rain  all  day.     I  went  with  one  Charles  Eriis  to  Guy  Cliff  and  saw] 

20 


306  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1689. 

[his  Cave,  drank  at  his  Well,  saw  the  Cellars  cut  in  the  Rock.  By 
the  way  I  found  my  Pilot  was  a  Quaker.  AV  200  Hundred  Sol- 
diers I  saw  drawn  forth  in  the  morn  to  the  westward  of  the  Town, 
which  had  their  Drums,  Cross  a  Horseneck  and  a  Trumpet  being  all 
Horsemen.  In  the  Lord's  Hall  Gay's  Pot  was  filld  with  Brandy 
Punch ;  when  in  the  field  heard  the  volleys  and  Huzzas,  the  Pope 
cafied  ab! 

People,  Soldiers  and  many  others  exceedingly  debauch'd.  Was 
Trim'd  by  one  Jn"  Jarvis  near  the  Upper  parish  Church,  call'd  S^ 
Mary  as  the  Lower  is  call'd  S*  Nicholas,  at  which  Mr.  Butler  used  to 
preach :  Many  rememb""  him,  all  speak  him  a  very  good  Man.  It 
seems  Guy's  Tower  which  I  went  up  on  to  view  the  Town,  is  the 
very  Tower  my  Ld.  Capel  was  once  Prisoner  in.  I  lodge  at  the  Cross- 
Keys  in  Castle-street,  in  the  yellow  Chamber  next  the  Castle,  front- 
ing to  the  Street.  Effigies  of  the  late  Ld.  Brooks  hangs  there.  Fri- 
day Ap.  12,  very  pleasant  fair  morn. 

A  copy  of  Mis  Randall's  tripart  Indenture  that  leads  to  the  Use 
of  her  Fine  and  Recovery,  dated  Octob'  20, 1645.  — Mr.  Sewall's  Will 
was  prov'd  Junij  ult.  1628,  Cur.  Prgerog.  Cant.  Lond. 

—  To  the  said  Margaret  during  her  natural  Life  and  after  her  de- 
cease to  the  Heirs  of  her  Body  issuing,  and  for  want  of  such  issue 
of  her  body,  to  remain  to  the  right  heirs  of  me,  the  said  Henry  the 
Testator,  for  ever. Aunt  Randall's  Will  dated  May  4,  1646. 

Oxford,  April  IS*?  1689.  Rec^  of  Samuel  Sewall  the  Horse  of  Jn? 
Stiles  of  Abbingdon,  in  good  condition,  with  Bridle,  Saddle,  Saddle- 
Cloth  and  nine  shillings  6*^  in  full  for  his  Hire,  I  say  Rec^  g  me. 

Danill  Forkner. 

[Note  by  J.  W.  D.  —  All  of  this  except  the  signature  in  the  handwriting 
of  Samuel  Sewall.] 

Paid  mr.  Die  five  shillings  Earnest  to  goe  in  his  Coach  next  Mon- 
day morn.  Fare  Ten  Shillings £0-5-0 

Apl.  14.  Heard  Dr.  Hall  at  S*  Ole's,  Dr.  Smith  at  St.  Mary's,  Dr. 
Lethbridge  at  Carpax.  Visit  Dr.  Tho.  Gilbert  who  gives  me  his 
Carmen  Congratulatorium.  Ap.  15,  Come  to  Wickam  where  dine  in 
K.  Ch.  2^  Bedchamb',  4  Men,  so  we  pay  for  the  2  Maids  12^  apiece. 
Rid  through  Uxbridge  where  drunk  some  Kans  of  Ale,  from  thence 
to  London  ab*  7  o'clock.  Passengers  shew'd  me  the  House  where 
Uxbridge  Treaty  was  held  and  say  'tis  now  haunted  that  none  dare 
dwell  there.  A  lovely  Stream  runs  throw  the  Town-House  compass'd 
with  a  Brick  Wall  :  Great  part  of  the  House  now  pulled  down.] 


1689.]  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  307 

[Apr.  4,  was  Shew'd  the  Library  and  Chapel  of  Corpus  Christi 
Colledge  and  the  Cellar  by  Mr.  Holland,  a  Fellow.  Library  may  be 
ab*  the  bigness  of  Harvard. 

May  8,  1689.  Queen's  Bed-Chamber,  24  foot  sqr.  King's  publick 
dining  R.  32  ft  and  near  square. 

Council  Chamber 44 

Breadth 24 

3  windows  to  the  River  almost  the  height  of  the  Room.  Blew 
Damask  Curtains. 

St.  George's  Hall  32  yards  2  foot  long.  Breadth  eleven  yards, 
Five  steps  of  Marble  to  an  ascent  pav'd  with  Marble,  at  the  end  of 
the  Hall  Eastward,  over,  S*  George  painted  on  the  side  of  the  wall. 
At  the  West  four  Men  suporting  a  Gallery  between  whom  enter  into 
the  Chapel.  The  Coinunion  Table  at  the  West  End.  The  floor  of 
the  Hall  pav'd  with  coarser  stone  by  much.  Ab*  32  foot  high,  7  nar- 
row windows  14  foot  deep  looking  into  the  Court  where  Charles  2** 
on  Horseback.  Over  each  window  a  square  window  from  which  the 
Light  descends  through  an  oval  lying  long  ways  of  the  Hall. 

Eaton  Colledge  Library  69  Foot  long,  the  Shelvs  four. 

Richardus  Allertree  Theol.  Oxon.  Profes.  Regius,  ^ton  Col. 
Praepos.  cui  rectius  visum  Ecclesiam  defendere.  instruere,  ornare, 
quain  regere.     Obijt  Jan'  28,  1680,  ^tat.  61. 

Wednesday  June  26.   1689.     Journey  to   Cambridge,  Mr.  Increase 
Mather,  Sam   Sewall,  Edward  Hull,  Sam  Mather.     Breakfast  at 

Epping  in  Essex £0-  2-3 

Dine  at  the  Crown  in  Hoggevill,  a  Hamlet  of  Bp.  Stafford. 

Two  young  Ducks  in  Hartford-shire 0-6-2 

Cherries  brought  from  London,  25  Miles 0-  0-4 

have  none  at  the  place.  Water  of  Triesday's  well.  Ruins 
of  an  old  Castle  In  the  way  from  Bp.  Stafford  to  Cam- 
bridge   0-2-3 

Friday,  June  28.     Paid  at  the  Red  Lion,  Cambridge  .     .     .       1-13-0 

Safron-Walden,  Diner 0-7-0 

and  view  of  Audley  House  Hockevill,  Super,  and  Maid  .     .       0-  7-0 

2-18-0 
June  29,  Breakfast  at  Epping 0-2-0 

So  Journey  Cost  me  ab*  35'  besides  what  gave  to  persons  that 
shew'd  us  the  Colledges  and  Audley  H. 

Henry  Sewall  late  of  Coventry  Alderman  died  April,  16,  quarto 
Caroli.  Mr.  Henry  Sewall  his  Son  was  then  forty  years  old.  As  g 
Decree  of  Court  of  Wards.l 


308  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1689. 

[Bound  up  with  the  Almanack  for  1689,  in  which  the  foregoing  Journal 
is  contained,  there  is  a  handbill  advertisement  of  a  dwarf ,  "  for  Largeness 
and  shortness  exceeding  all  that  ever  came  from  beyond  sea."  It  was  "  a 
Gentlewoman  five  and  twenty  years  of  age,  and  no  higher  than  a  child  three 
years  old."  On  the  handbill,  Mr.  Sewall  has  written:  "  June  3,  1689.  Saw 
her."] 


[The  Home  Journal  is  here  resumed.] 

Nov.  22, 1688.  Fast-day,  set  sail  from  Boston.  Landed 
at  Dover  January  13.  Sabbath.  Came  from  London  Augt. 
13*.^  1689.  From  Plimouth  Octob.  10^.^  Landed  at  the 
great  Island,  Pascataqua,  Friday,  Nov.  29.  1689.  Nov.  30. 
came  to  Newbury  from  the  Bank.  Spent  the  Sabbath  at 
Newbury.  Dec.  2.  Came  to  Boston  :  Staid  so  long  at 
the  Ferry  that  it  Avas  between  9.  and  10.  before  I  got  into 
my  own  House.  Mr.  Cook  only  came  with  me  from  Govf 
Bradstreets. 

Thorsday,  Dec.  5.  Capt.  Hutchinson  and  1  took  our 
Oaths ;  Gov''  Bradstreet  there :  Deputies  treated  us  at 
Wing's  after  Lecture,  as  Major  and  Capt.  Apleton,  Mr. 
Eps  and  others  had  done  at  Ipswich  as  came  along. 

Friday,  January  3.  I  treated  the  Magistrates  at  James 
Meers;  viz:  Dept.  Governour,  Mr.  Winthrop,  Richards, 
Russel,  Johnson,  Apleton,  Hutchinson,  Cook,  Hawthorn, 
Smith,  Philips,  Shrimpton,  Addington,  Swain,  with  Mr. 
Willard,  Belcher,  Bromfield ;  I  think  all  these  there. 

Jan.  9*!'.  Tho.  Hawkins,  Pirat,  was  Tried  and  found 
guilty. 

Jan.  lO*.!".  It  falls  to  my  Daughter  Elisabeth's  Share  to 
read  the  24.  of  Isaiah,  which  she  doth  with  many  Tears 
not  being  very  well,  and  the  Contents  of  the  Chapter,  and 
Sympathy  with  her  draw  Tears  from  me  also.  Mr.  Dud- 
ley went  home  yesterday,  or  the  night  before  ;  but  it 
seems  refuseth  to  pay  the  Guards  except  the  Council  will 
order  the  Sum. 

Sabbath;  Jan.  12.  Richard  Dumer,  a  flourishing  youth 
of  9  years  old,  dies  of  the  Small  Pocks.     I  tell  Sam.  of  it 


1689.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  309 

and  what  need  he  had  to  prepare  for  Death,  and  therefore 
to  endeavour  really  to  pray  when  he  said  over  the  Lord's 
Prayer :  He  seem'd  not  much  to  mmdj  eating  an  Aple  ; 
but  when  he  came  to  say,  Our  father,  he  burst  out  into  a 
bitter  Cry,  and  when  I  askt  what  was  the  matter  and  he 
could  speak,  he  burst  out  into  a  bitter  Cry  and  said  he 
was  afraid  he  should  die.  I  pray'd  with  him,  and  read 
Scriptures  comforting  against  death,  as,  0  death  where  is 
thy  sting,  &c.  All  things  yours.  Life  and  Immortality 
brought  to  hght  by  Christ,  &c.     'Twas  at  noon. 

Monday,  Jan.  13*.^  Joseph  Ehot  goes  to  Mr.  Wiswall 
at  Duxbury,  returns  with  a  Letter  on  Tuesday. 

Thorsday,  Jan.  16*^  He  and  I  ride  thether  in  a  very 
cold  day  with  a  Letter  from  the  Council  to  invite  him  to 
goe  to  England  with  Mr.  Cook. 

Friday,  17.  Return  homeward.  Call  and  see  Mr.  Tor- 
rey  and  his  wife  ;  Cous.  Hunt  and  her  Sons  Jn*'  and  Daniel. 
Lodge  at  Unkle  Quinsey's,  coming  in  the  night  from  Wey- 
mouth for  fear  of  Snow.  Got  home  between  11.  and  12. 
Went  after  diner  to  the  Town-House,  to  Mr.  Addington, 
from  thence  to  Mr.  Browning's,  from  thence  with  Mr. 
Cotton  Mather  to  the  Prisoners  who  were  condemned  on 
Friday.  Spoke  to,  and  pray'd  with  Pounds  and  others  ; 
then  with  Coward,  Johnson  and  others.  Gave  him  [Mr. 
Mather]  two  Duzen  Books  bound,  viz.  Right  thoughts.  &c. 
Sermons  to  his  Father  Philips,  and  on  the  Ark. 

Monday,  Jan.  27.  Five  were  order'd  to  be  executed, 
but,  chiefly  through  Mr.  Winthrop's  earnestness  in  Repriev- 
ing, only  Tho.  Johnson  dies.^     Had  join'd  in  reprieving 


1  It  seems,  from  "  The  Vindication  of  New  England  "  ("  Andros  Tracts," 
II.  51),  that  there  were  two  sets  of  pirates  at  this  time.  One  lot  started  in 
a  boat  from  the  frigate  "  Rose,"  and  Thomas  Pound  was  the  leader.  They 
were  captured  by  the  armed  sloop  "  Mary,"  under  Capt.  Samuel  Pease  and 
Lieut.  Benjamin  Gallop.  Eight  were  condemned;  viz.,  Thomas  Johnson, 
Eleazer  Buck,  John  Suklerdam,  William  Dun,  Richard  Griffin,  Daniel  Lander, 
William  Warren,  and  Samuel  Watts. 

Later,  William  Coward  headed  another  crew,  and  of  his  men  the  following 


310  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1689 

Pounds  and  Buck  at  the  Governour's,  and  then  got  away ; 
but  Mr.  Winthrop.  Addington,  Shrimpton  followed  me  to 
my  house  with  another  Writing  for  Hawkins,  which  Win- 
throp and  Shrimpton  had  signed,  and  got  me  to  sign :  He 
was  ready  to  be  turn'd  off  before  it  took  effect,  which  gave 
great  disgust  to  the  People  :  I  fear  it  was  ill  done.  Gov- 
ernour, Winthrop,  Shrimpton,  Addington,  Phillips,  repriev'd 
Coward,  and  most  seem'd  to  desire  that  he  and  his  3  com- 
panions might  be  spar'd.  Some  in  the  Council  thought 
Hawkins,  because  he  got  out  of  the  Combination  before 
Pease  was  kill'd,  might  live  as  well  as  Coward  ;  so  I  rashly 
sign'd,  hoping  so  great  an  inconvenience  would  not  have 
followed.     Let  not  God  impute  Sin. 

Feb.  1.  Addresses  and  Letters  are  read  over  before  the 
Court,  and  Agent's  in  the  Deputy's  room,  and  Mr.  Stough- 
ton's  Declaration.  After,  Mr.  Winthrop  mention'd  the 
Keprievs ;  I  spake  for  my  self  that,  by  Generall  Court, 
intended  that  which  was  to  sit  on  Tuesday,  the  day  after 
Reprieve. 

Feb.  2.  at  Even.  Little  Joseph  sucks  his  last  as  is  de- 
sign'd,  his  Grandmother  taking  him  into  her  Chamber  in 
order  to  wean  him. 

Feb.  7^?  Court  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next,  to  meet 
at  Charlestown,  because  of  the  spreading  of  the  Small 
Pocks  at  Boston. 

About  Jan.  29.  Sister  Gerrishes  daughter  is  buried, 
and  Sister  Moodey's  Daughter  known  to  have  the  Small 
Pocks. 

Feb.  8.  and  9*.^  Schenectady,  a  village  20  miles  above 
Albany,  destroy'd  by  the  French.  60  Men,  Women  and 
Children  murder'd.  Women  wdth  Child  ripp'd  up.  Chil- 
dren had  their  Brains  dash'd  out.     Were  surpris'd  about 

were  pardoned;  viz.,  Peleg  Heath,  Christopher  Knight,  Dr.  Thomas  Storey, 
and  William  Coward. 

The  pamphlet  says  that  one  was  hung,  and  Sewall  seems  to  confirm  it, 
giving  Thomas  Johnson  as  the  only  sufferer.  —  Eds. 


16||.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  311 

11.  or  12  aclock  Satterday  night,  being  divided,  and 
secure.* 

In  the  Storm  of  Snow  that  then  fell  Skipar  Dotey,  his 
Son  Jn",  and  Elkana  Watson,  were  cast  away  on  Ba[rn]- 
stable  Bar.  Bodies  not  found,  and  'tis  fear'd  they  are 
murder'd  by  a  free  Negro  and  Indians. 

Friday,  Feb.  21.  Charlestown,  Generall  Court  adjourns 
to  the  121!^  March. 

Feb.  24.  [In  margin,  Treat.]  Monday,  Gov""  Brad- 
street  and  Lady,  Mr.  Stoughton,  Major  Hutchinson  and 
wife,  Mr.  Willard,  Mr.  Moodey  and  wife,  Mrs.  Mather, 
Maria,  Mr.  Allen  and  wife,  Cous.  Dumer  and  wife.  Cons. 
Quinsey  and  wife,  Mr.  Cotton  Mather,  Mr.  Tho.  Brattle, 
who  with  Mother,  wife  and  Self,  made  Twenty,  Marshal 
Green  waited :  Sat  all  well  at  the  Table.  Mr.  Cotton 
Mather  returned  Thanks  in  an  excellent  maner :  Sung 
part  of  the  Six  and  fiftieth  Psalm,  in  Mr.  Miles  Smith's 
version,  Thou  knowst  how  long  I  have  from  home  —  to 
the  End.  Mr.  Mather  was  minded  to  have  that  Transla- 
tion :  I  set  it  to  Windsor  Tune.  N.B.  The  bitterness  in 
our  Cups,  was  that,  the  Massacre  at  Schenectady  by  the 
French ;  the  amazing  news  on't  was  by  Post  brought  to 
Town  this  day.  Govf  Bradstreet  brought  the  Papers  and 
read  them  before  and  after  diner.  At  last,  Mr.  Danforth, 
Major  Richards,  Major  General  Winthrop,  Col.  Shrimpton, 
Mr.  Addington  came  in,  and  dispatcht  Orders  to  the  Majors 
to  stand  upon  their  Guard,  To  Capt.  Price,  Sen!^  Capt.  in 
Salem  Regiment. 

Just  about  diner  time  Mr.  Nelson  comes  in  and  gets  mt; 
to  subscribe  100.  to  the  Proposals  against  the  French.  I 
thought  'twas  time  to  doe  something,  now  were  thus  de- 
stroy'd  by  Land  too.    Mr.  Danforth  looks  very  sorrowfully. 


1  A  very  graphic  account  of  this  attack  upon  Schenectady,  sent  by  the 
mayor  of  Albany  to  our  government,  is  preserved  in  the  Massachusetts 
archives  and  printed  in  "  Andros  Tracts,"  III.  114-120. —  Eds. 


312  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [16||. 

Mr.  Stougliton  thinks  best  to  prosecute  vigorously  the 
buisness  against  the  Eastern  French. 

Feb.  28.  Capt.  Yaughan,  Mr.  Martyn  and  Mr.  Fryer 
are  aproved  Magistrates  of  the  County  of  New-Hampshire  : 
Mr.  Yaughan  Sworn. 

March  1.  I  visit  Mr.  Ehot,  who  embraces  me  heartily, 
and  calls  me  Brother :  I  present  him  with  Mr.  FlavelFs 
Book  ;  England's  Duty  [under  the  present  Gospel  Liberty]. 
Mr.  Walter  sits  with  me  all  the  while.  Yisit  Madam  Dud- 
ley. Was  coming  away,  and  Mr.  Hutchinson  call'd  after 
me,  and  I  went  in  and  saw  Mistress  Hutchinson  and  Billy. 
Pray'd  excuse  for  my  unmindfullness  of  them. 

Sabbath,  March  2*?  I  pray'd  in  the  Family,  that  might 
have  an  Interest  in  God,  Signed,  Sealed  and  Delivered, 
and  that  all  that  tended  to  make  it  sure,  might  be  per- 
fected. And  being  in  my  Pue,  I  was  praying  that  as  God 
had  dispos'd  me  to  put  up  a  Petition  some  way  unusual, 
so  He  would  doe  some  unusual  thing  for  me.  While  these 
words  were  in  my  mind,  in  came  Mr.  Moodey,  who  preach' d 
from  2.  Thes.  3.  1.  Doct.  Tis  the  Duty  of  all,  especially 
of  those  who  have  profited  by  the  word,  to  pray  that  the 
Word  of  the  Lord  may  run  and  be  glorified :  And  I  hope 
I  was  included  in  the  Blessing  at  the  Close ;  for  if  I  know 
any  thing  in  this  matter,  I  know  that  I  desire  and  pray 
God's  word  may  run  and  be  glorified :  which  came  in  my 
mind  when  the  Blessing  was  given. 

To  THE  Constables  of  Boston, 

AND    EVERY    OF    THEM. 

You  are  Required  in  their  Majesties  ^N'araes  to  Walk  through  the 
several  parts  of  the  Town  this  day,  and  take  effectual  care  to  suppress 
and  dissipate  all  unlawfuU  Assemblies,  or  tumultuous  gathering  to- 
gether of  people  for  the  Shailing  or  throwing  at  Cocks,  and  such  like 
Disorders,  tending  to  the  disturbance  of  their  Majesties  Liege  People, 
and  breach  of  the  Peace,  contrary  to  the  wholsom  Laws  on  that  be- 
half made  and  provided,  particularly,  those  entituled  Cruelty,  and  Pre- 


16||.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  313 

scriptions.  Hereof  you  may  not  fail.  Dated  in  Boston  the  fourth 
day  of  March  16||.  Annoque  Reg.  and  Reginae  Willielms  and 
Mariae  —  Secundo. 

Simon  Beadstreet  Gov": 
Wait  Winthrop 
Elisha  Hutchinson 
Sam  Sewall 
Isaac  Addington 


'  Assist'L 


I  gave  the  preceding  Warrant  to  Thomas  Banister,  Con- 
stable, who  said  he  would  take  effectual  Care  about  it. 
Another  was  given  to  Capt.  Prout,  to  be  deliver'd  to  a 
Constable  at  the  North  end  of  the  Town,  only  it  was  given 
on  Monday  night  at  James  Meers's  and  so  the  Governour 
had  not  sim'd  it. 

March  4,  16||  Sam.  Haugh,  14  years  old  last  Febru- 
ary, chuses  me  for  his  Guardian.  Solomon  Raynsford  in- 
troducing of  him  with  a  pretty  handsome  Speech  for  my 
acceptance.  Dept.  Governour  was  by  and  told  him  he 
must  now  hearken  to  me  and  take  me  for  his  Father. 
George  Monk  brought  in  a  Dish  of  Fritters,  but  Major 
Hutchinson,  Mr.  Addington  and  my  self  eat  none  of  them, 
only  Major  Richards  (of  the  Court)  did  eat. 

Boston;  March  5  1()|^. 
Honoured  Sir,  —  The  Governour  and  Council  have  this  day 
ordered  us  to  advise  with  your  self  about  disposing  of  the  Friend- 
Indians  in  such  place  and  manner  as  may  be  most  expedient  for  the 
safety  of  the  English  and  themselves.  The  Condition  they  are  in 
requires  some  speedy  Consideration ;  We  therefore  intreat  your 
Company  next  Friday  morning  at  either  of  our  Houses ;  except 
you  rather  choose  our  waiting  on  you  at  Dorchester.  The  affording 
your  Counsel  in  this  momentous  and  difficult  Concern,  will  be  a 
means  to  succour  your  distressed  Country,  and  very  much  oblige 
your  friends  and  humble  Servants. 

Wait  Winthrop. 
Sam  Sewall. 

Above  is  a  Copy  of  a  Letter  to  Mr.  Stoughton  by  Elia- 
kim. 


314  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [16|§. 

March  7*.^  Mr.  Stoughton  gives  Major  General  and  my 
self  a  Meeting,  as  cold  as  'tis,  and  undertakes  to  give  Lieut. 
Swift  notice  to  be  here  next  Monday  at  one  aclock  at  my 
House,  with  a  discreet  person  or  two  of  Punquapaog  Indi- 
ans. I  write  to  Capt.  Noah  Wiswall  to  be  here  at  the 
same  time  with  one  or  two  from  Natick,  with  a  hint  of 
the  occasion. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  to  Mr.  Joseph  Webb,  Clark  of  the 
Writts,  March  1.  16|f 

There  have  been  several  Attachments  granted  by  you  to  bring 
persons  before  me  for  the  Trial  of  small  Causes,  whereas  the  Plain- 
tiffs never  acquainted  me  beforehand  of  the  matter,  which  is  very 
inconvenient :  because  'tis  uncertain  whether  I  shall  be  at  home  at 
the  time,  and  persons  often  come  upon  me  at  unawares,  when  I  have 
no  leisure  to  attend  them  ;  and  yet  am  loth  they  should  lose  their 
Travail  and  Cost.  Wherefore  I  desire  you  to  grant  no  Attachment 
for  the  Trial  of  any  cause  befor  me  except  on  the  first  Monday  of 
the  Moneth.  And  I  would  not  have  you  send  any  to  me  whoes 
Book-Debts  are  old  enough  to  be  senior  Sophisters,  being  of  more 
than  three  years  standing.  Some  think  that  when  the  Demand  is  by 
Book,  'twere  better  to  say,  in  an  Action  of  the  Case,  than  of  Debt. 
When  a  Woman  sues  by  Attorniship  from  her  Husband,  for  Goods 
she  deliver'd  before  the  Coverture,  my  Opinion  is  'twere  convenient 
to  ascertain  it  [make  it  certain],  by  saying  —  for  a  piece  of  Serge 
deliver'd  him  by  said  Elisabeth  Apr.  7.  1687,  and  several  other  goods 
since  that  time,  &c.  or,  for  Goods  delivered  him  by  said  Elisabeth, 
April  7. 1687,  and  at  several  times  since,  as  shall  be  made  appear,  &c. 
for  Goods  deliver'd  him  by  said  Elisabeth.  And  I  caiiot  give  a  reason 
why  at  least  the  year,  or  years  of  the  Goods  being  delivered,  should 
not  be  noted  in  the  Attachment,  as  well  as  the  Date  of  an  Obligation. 
But  your  Books,  and  the  honoured  Governour  and  Mr.  Addington  are 
far  more  fit  to  advise  you  in  things  of  this  nature,  than  your  unex- 
perienced, unskillfull,  (and  yet  I  hope  honest,)  friend, 

S.  Sewall. 

You  should  admonish  persons  to  speak  with  the  Magistrate  before 
you  take  out  an  Attachment. 

March  10'.^  16ff .  Mr.  Stoughton,  Major  Generall  and 
my  self  met  at  my  house,  and  there  came  to  us  Lieut. 
Swift  with  William  Hahaton  for  Punkapaug ;  and  Capt 


I6|f.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  315 

Noah  Wiswall  with  James  Rumney  Marsh,  and  Peter 
Ephraim  for  Natick.  Enquired  what  might  be  most  ex- 
pedient for  the  present  settlement  of  the  Friend -Indians, 
so  as  may  be  for  the  safety  of  themselves  and  English ;  in 
order  to  passing  a  Law  for  them  in  the  Generall  Court. 

March  17^.^  Capt.  Blagge  came  to  enquire  if  the  Coun- 
cil's Letter  were  ready,  so  I  invited  him  and  Mr.  Melyen 
to  dine  with  me ;  which  accordingly  they  did,  and  Mar- 
shal Green  fell  in. 

March  18,  16||.  I  gave  New-Roxbury  the  name  of 
Woodstock  ^  because  of  it's  nearness  to  Oxford,  for  the 
sake  of  Queen  Elizabeth,  and  the  notable  Meetings  that 
have  been  held  at  the  place  bearing  that  Name  in  Eng- 
land, some  of  which  Dr.  Gilbert  inform'd  me  of  when  in 
England.  It  stands  on  a  Hill,  I  saw  it  as  went  to  Coven- 
try, but  left  it  on  the  Left  hand.  Some  told  Capt.  Rug- 
gles  that  I  gave  the  name,  and  put  words  in  his  Mouth  to 
desire  of  me  a  Bell  for  the  Town.^ 

Friday,  March  21,  16f|.  Madam  Bradstreet,  Mrs. 
Moodey,  Mrs.  Mather  and  my  wife  ride  in  the  hackney 
Coach  to  Dorchester,  dine  with  Mr.  Stoughton.  It  should 
have  been  on  Wednesday,  when  the  news  came  indistinctly 
in  the  afternoon  of  the  Surprisal  of  Salmon  Falls.  This 
Friday  morn  before  they  went  to  Mr.  Stoughton' s,  the 
dolefull  news  came  that  between  80.  and  100.  persons 
were  kiU'd  and  carried  away,  were  taken  by  surprise 
about  break  of  day  :  no  Watch  kept :  are  about  half 
French,  half  Indians.     Hopewood  Capt.  of  the  Indians, 


1  Woodstock  was  set  off  to  Connecticut  about  1750.  See  Proceedings  of 
the  Historical  Society  for  February,  1873,  p.  399.  —  Eds. 

2  March  18,  1689-90.  The  Governor,  Bradstreet,  Sir  ^Villiam  Phips, 
^lajor-General  "VVinthrop,  Major  John  Richards,  Major  Elisha  Hutchinson, 
Colonel  Samuel  Shrimpton,  and  Captain  Samuel  Sewall,  or  any  three  of 
them,  were  to  issue  such  orders  for  setting  forth  the  forces  as  the  Council 
might  do.  This  appointment  stands  on  the  Colony  Records,  although  Sewall 
makes  no  mention  of  it.  The  Council  Records  of  this  date  are  missing.  — 
Eds. 


316  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1690 

Artel  [FranQois  Hertel]  of  the  French.  Hampshire  Gen- 
eral got  100.  Men  and  came  up  with  the  Enemy  about 
Sun-set  and  fought  them  till  night  took  away  the  sight  of 
them.  One  Frenchman  taken  making  up  his  pack  who 
gives  an  account  as  above. 

This  day  Capt.  Townsend  is  appointed  Comander  in 
Chief. 

Satterday,  March  22.  Sir  William  Phips  offers  himself 
to  go  in  person ;  the  Governour  sends  for  me,  and  tells 
me  of  it,  I  tell  the  Court ;  they  send  for  Sir  William  who 
accepts  to  goe,  and  is  appointed  to  Comand  the  Forces ; 
Major  Townsend  relinquishes  with  Thanks.  Sir  William 
had  been  sent  to  at  first ;  but  some  feared  he  would  not 
goe ;  others  thought  his  Lady  could  not  consent.  Court 
makes  Sir  William  free,  and  Swear  him  Major  Generall, 
and  several  others.  Adjourn  to  Boston,  Wednesday  14 
night  one  aclock. 

March  24,  16|f .  Eight  Companies  and  Troops  Train. 
I  goe  into  the  field,  pray  with  the  South  Company,  Exer- 
cise them  in  a  few  Distances,  Facings,  Doublings  -,  before 
which  Thanked  them  for  their  Respect  in  mentioning  me 
when  in  England,  warning  the  Company  in  my  Name  ; 
and  told  them  the  place  I  was  in  required  more  Time  and 
Strength  than  I  had,  so  took  leave  of  them. 

March  25.  Drums  are  beat  through  the  Town  for  Vol- 
unteers. 

April  2.  Father  Dana  falls  from  a  scaffold  in  his  Barn 
and  dies. 

April  4, 1690.  Major  Richards,  Hutchinson,  Col.  Shrimp- 
ton,  Mr.  Addington  and  my  self  went  to  the  Castle  to 
view  what  Capt.  Fayerwether  had  done,  and  what  was 
proper  for  him  further  to  doe  in  making  Batteries,  and 
putting  the  place  into  yet  a  more  defensible  posture. 
Went  to  Dear-Island,  and  saw  how  the  sea  wash'd  it 
away.  Then  went  to  Apple-Island,  to  the  Castle  again, 
and  there  din'd ;  suffer'd  no  Guns  to  be  fired ;  but  the 


1690.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  317 

Captain  caus'd  the  Flagg  to  be  hoisted  all  the  while  we 
were  there,  in  token  of  Respect.  Cost  us  5^  8'^  apiec. 
This  day  Capt.  Theophilus  Frary,  Mr.  Joyhff,  Wyllys,  Ser- 
geant, Adam  Winthrop,  Mr.  Jn^  Clark,  Tim2  Thornton  are 
chosen  Coiiiissioners  for  the  Town  of  Boston.  Capt.  Frary, 
who  had  most,  had  24  Votes;  several  of  them  but  16,  the 
Meeting  was  so  thin.  This  day  Mrs.  Averys  Shop,  and 
Christian  Herridges  Shop  shut,  by  reason  of  Goods  in  them 
Attached. 

Satterday,  April  5.  A  Post  comes  giving  notice  of  a 
Saw-Mill  and  several  Houses  burnt  at  Wells  the  3*?  Instant, 
and  Sayers  Garrison  beset  with  the  Enemy.  Council  order 
one  hundred  and  twenty  Men  to  be  sent  out  of  Essex  for 
their  relief.  April  4,  one  Pond  of  Dorchester,  who  had 
several  praying  at  his  House  and  he  conversant  among 
them,  yet  died  before  the  day  and  Duty  was  ended  ;  so 
that  they  were  fain  to  break  off  to  lay  him  out. 

April  14.  Sam.  has  an  Issue  made  in  his  left  Arm  to 
prevent  the  swelling  in  his  Neck,  which  else  'tis  feared 
may  prove  the  King's  Evil.  Have  the  advice  of  Mr.  Ad- 
dington  and  Dr.  Allen  who  made  the  Issue. 

April  15.  Capt.  Willard's  Letter  comes  to  Town  of  the 
9t^  Instant,  giving  an  account  of  the  danger  they  were  in 
at  Casco  of  an  Assault  from  the  Enemy,  30  Indian  Canoes 
being  seen,  and  Several  Fires  on  the  Land.  Writt  to  my 
Father  and  Brother  Stephen. 

April  21,  1690.  Mr.  Stoughton  and  I  set  forward  for 
New-York,^  Tho.  Mosely  waited  on  Him ;  Joseph  Co  well 

1  Although  Sewall  does  not  mention  the  fact,  he  was  sent  in  an  official 
capacity.  He  was  appointed  April  15,  1690  (see  Commission  in  Mass. 
Archives,  Vol.  XXXVI.,  f.  4,  5),  with  AVilliam  Stoughton,  to  attend  at  a 
meeting  of  Commissioners  from  the  other  Colonies.  They  were  to  concert 
measures  for  the  common  safety.  Their  report,  dated  May  1,  is  signed  by 
Jacob  Leisler,  William  Stoughton,  Samuel  Sewall,  P.  D'  La  Roy,  John 
Walley,  Xathan  Gold,  and  William  Pitkin.  The  forces  were  apportioned  at 
four  hundred  from  New  York,  one  hundred  and  sixty  from  Massachusetts, 
sixty  from  Plymouth,  one  hundred  and  thirty-five  from  Connecticut,  one 
hundred  from  Maryland.  —  Eds. 


€-)18  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  l1690. 

on  me :  Mr.  Cooper  and  others  in  Company,  refreshed 
at  Roxbury,  Billinges,  and  from  thence  rid  to  Rehoboth ; 
lodg'd  at  the  Bear,  which  one  Saunders  keeps.  Mr.  Auger 
sup'd  with  us. 

April  22.  To  Bristow,  visited  Mr.  Saffin  by  the  way 
and  Mrs.  Saffin ;  lodg'd  at  Capt.  Byfield's. 

April  23.  Perswaded  Major  Walley  to  goe  with  us, 
went  to  Newport,  agreed  with  Tho.  Brooks  for  his  Sloop 
at  12-  per  diem.     Lodg'd  at  Mr.  Hedges. 

April  24.  Set  sail,  leaving  our  Horses  and  taking  our 
Bridles  and  Saddles  in  the  Sloop. 

Satterday,  April  26.  got  into  Oyster  Bay  [L.  I.],  the 
wind  being  Contrary,  and  there  anchored. 

April  27.  Went  ashore,  rid  to  Hempsted  through  Jer- 
ico,  to  hear  Mr.  Hubbard,  but  he  was  at  York :  Staid  at 
Mr.  Jacksons,  read  Chapters,  and  Mr.  Stoughton  prayed 
excellently. 

April  28.  Rid  to  Jamaica,  there  din'd  with  Mr.  Prud- 
den.  Pastor  of  the  Church  there.  From  thence  to  Brook- 
and  [Brooklyn],  where  Mr.  Edsal  met  us  with  a  File  or 
two  of  Troopers,  got  to  the  Ferry  about  12.  aclock.  Went 
over  and  din'd  with  the  Governour.  Lodg'd  at  Mr. 
Mariot's ;  but  were  so  disturb' d  that  were  overcome  by 
the  Governour's  importunity  and  lodg'd  at  his  House. 
Major  Gold  and  Mr.  Pitkin  met  us  there  for  Coiiecticut. 

May  1.  Rose  before  the  Sun  some  considerable  time 
that  might  ease  my  burdened  mind  in  Prayer. 

May  4.  Sabbath.  Went  to  the  Dutch  Church  in  the 
morn.  Sung  the  69*^  Ps.  2^  Pause  from  the  24*.^  v.  to  the 
end,  which  Capt.  Lodowick  taught  me  the  evening  before, 
and  lent  me  his  Book,  pointed  to  every  syllable.  At  my 
Lodging,  Mr.  Mariot's  (for  took  leave  of  the  Governour  on 
Satterday,  not  knowing  but  might  sail.)  Read,  pray 'd  over, 
and  sung  the  25^!"  Psalm  which  should  have  sung  in  course, 
if  I  had  been  at  home  this  day ;  and  is  a  Psalm  extraordi- 
narily fitted  for  me  in  my  present  Distresses,  and  by  which 


1690.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  819 

have  receiv'd  comfort.  Mr.  Selyns  Text,  Philip.  2.  12. 
Work  out  your  own  Salvation,  &c.  In  the  afternoon  it 
rain'd  hard,  so  staid  at  our  Quarters,  read  Chapters,  and 
T  pray'd.     Landlady  desired  to  be  present. 

May  5.  Got  on  board  our  Sloop,  leaving  Capt.  Du 
Peyster's  Diner.  Wind  sprung  up  fair,  got  well  throw 
Hell-Gate,  went  ashore  at  Dr.  Taylor's  near  the  White 
Stone,  wooded  and  watered :  Sailed  again  with  a  fail 
wind. 

On  Wednesday  Morn,  May  7*^  there  was  a  Fogg,  which 
put  us  to  our  shifts,  not  knowing  which  way  to  sail;  but 
it  pleased  God  to  clear  the  Air,  so  as  we  saw  our  Course, 
Block-Island,  Point-Judith,  and  got  in  about  noon,  being 
their  Election  day.  Gov^  Bull  furnish'd  us  with  Beds  for 
the  voyage  ;  Din'd  at  Mr.  Hedge's.  Henry  Bull  chosen 
Governour,  Major  Green  of  Warwick,^  Dept.  Governour. 
Rid  to  Bristow,  lodg'd  at  Capt.  Byfield's. 

May  8.  Rid  to  Billinges,  where  Mr.  Lee  met  us  in  his 
way  homeward,  gave  an  account  of  the  wellfare  of  my 
family,  having  din'd  with  my  Mother  and  wife  at  Cous. 
Dummer's.     Pray'd  with  us. 

May  9.  Friday,  Rid  to  Dedham  and  there  refresh'd,  so 
home  by  12.  or  thereabouts ;  visited  Mr.  Eliot  and  Mr. 
Walters  by  the  way.  Mr.  Stoughton  and  I  waited  on  the 
Governour  and  I  on  the  Council  with  Govf  Leisler's  Letter. 

Found  my  Family  all  well,  save  Sam's  sore  in  his  neck, 
and  Hanah  dioops  as  though  would  have  the  Small  Pocks. 
Note.  I  have  had  great  heaviness  on  my  Spirit  before, 
and  in  this  journey;  and  I  resolved  that  if  it  pleas'd  God 
to  bring  me  to  my  family  again,  I  would  endeavour  to 
serve  Him  better  in  Self-denial,  Fruitfullness,  Not  pleasing 
Men,  open  Conversation,  not  being  solicitous  to  seem  in 
some  indifferent  things  what  I  was  not,  or  at  least  to  con- 
ceal what  I  was  ;  Endeavouring  to  goe  and  come  at  God's 
call  and  not  otherwise ;  Labouring  more  constantly  and 
throwly  to  Examin  my  self  before  sitting  down  to  the 


320  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1G90 

Lord's  Table.  Now  the  good  Lord  God  of  his  infinite 
Grace  help  me  to  perform  my  Yows,  and  give  me  a  filial 
Fear  of  Himself,  and  save  me  from  the  fear  of  Man  that 
brings  a  Snare.  At  Billinges  heard  Sam.  Haugh  was 
(lead,  which  made  me  sad :  but  it  proves  not  so.  At 
Roxbnry  Mr.  Benet  tells  me  of  the  death  and  Burial  of 
John  Alcock,  died  on  Monday,  and  buried  on  Wednesday, 
May  7^--     E"'  Mather  one  of  the  Bearers. 

May  10.  Hanah  takes  a  Vomit,  her  Grandmother  earn- 
estly desiring  it.  Has  the  Small  Pocks  very  favourably, 
keeps  her  Bed  but  three  or  four  days  ;  about  50  or  60  in 
her  face  ;  pretty  many  on  her  Wrists. 

May  19*.^  Begins  to  keep  below  with  her  Brother,  and 
Sister  Betty. 

Wednesday,  May  21,  1690.  Mr.  Eliot  ^  dies  about  one 
in  the  Morning ;  1  visited  him  as  I  came  from  New- York  : 
This  puts  our  Election  into  mourning.^ 

^  This  was  the  famous  Rev.  John  Eliot,  of  Eoxbury,  the  "  Apostle  to  the 
Indians."  —  Eds. 

2  Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Mr.  Seivall  in  Baylies^  "  Plymouth.''^ 

Boston,  May  21,  1690. 
IIONB^^  Sir,  —  The  Express  sent  pr.  your  Honour  was  with  me  about  5 
a'clock  this  morning:  But  the  Council  being  to  meet  in  the  morn,  delayed, 
tliat  might  have  the  sence,  and  expected  a  greater  certainty  of  the  condition 
of  Casco  which  yet  fails;  whose  sitting  proves  so  late  that  fear  will  be  4  past 
M"  before  shall  dismiss  them.  The  General  Court  have  ordered  our  Souldiers 
to  be  raised  out  of  the  several  Regiments.  Capt.  James  Converse  is  to  com- 
mand one  company.  They  are  to  march  next  Tuesday,  and  rendevous  at 
Concord  and  Sudbury,  and  to  march  by  land  to  Springfield,  and  on  to  Albany: 
intend  to  send  Meat  by  Sea,  and  take  up  on  trust,  if  it  arrive  not  soon  enough. 
Intend  to  send  the  2*^  Company  with  a  Lieutenant  to  Major  Pynchon,  and  he 
appoint  a  Captain.  We  think  Capt.  Converse  may  be  fit  to  be  next  the 
Major.  No  news  is  yet  received  from  Sir  William  [Phips].  And  exceeding 
bad  news  from  the  Eastward:  Tis  believed  Casco  Garrison  and  Fort  are 
burnt,  and  the  Inhabitants  destroyed;  so  that  we  do  not  understand  that 
there  is  one  escaped  or  shut  up  or  left.  We  fear,  if  this  be  true,  there  may 
be  so  many  French  and  Indians  that  we  shall  be  obliged  to  raise  4  or  5  hun- 
dred Men  to  defend  our  Frontiers  on  that  part.  This  disaster  fell  out  on 
Friday  and  Satterday  last.  Fourscore  Souldiers  there.  Capt.  Willard  came 
away  the  day  before.     This  News  comes  by  men  sent  from  Dominicas  Jor- 


1690.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  32] 

May  22.  We  hear  of  the  Taking  Port-Royal  by  Sir 
William  Phips ; '  Mr.  Moodey  well ;  which  something  abates 
our  sorrow  for  the  loss  of  Casco,  if  that  sad  news  prove 
true. 

Mr.  Walter  preaches  the  Lecture,  and  so  is  the  first  who 
has  such  a  publick  oportunity  to  mention  Mr.  Eliot's 
Death,  Ambassadour,  Chariots  and  Horsmen  [2  Kings  II.]. 

Friday,  May  23.  Is  a  Fast  at  Charlestown.  In  the 
afternoon  Mr.  Danforth  and  I  call'd  out  of  the  Meeting 
presently  after  it  began,  the  certainty  of  Casco's  destruc- 
tion being  now  brought.  After  having  sat  in  Council 
awhile  went  to  Mr.  Eliot's  Funeral ;  Governour  and 
Dept.  Governour,  &c.  there.  Bearers,  Mr.  Allin,  Morton, 
Willard,  Fiske,  Hobart,  Nehem,  Thacher.  Mr.  Torrey  and 
Danforth  not  there.  Mr.  Dumer  of  York  ^  there  ;  He  comes 
to  ask  help  :  'Tis  dolefull  news  we  have  to  celebrate  Mr. 
Eliot's  Funeral  with.  Casteen  is  said  to  head  about  70. 
French,  and  Indians  are  above  Two  Hundred.  Capt.  Wil- 
lard came  away  the  very  day  before  the  Attack. 

May  2i^}}     News  is  brought  of  Capt.  Nicholson  being 


dans  Garrison,  and  a  Shallop  that  saw  Houses  on  fire  on  Friday,  and  forced 
to  come  away  without  loading.  Have  only  some  glimmering  hope  that  the 
Fort  [is]  not  burnt.  K.  J.  [King  James]  is  so  far  from  being  dead  that  He 
is  said  to  be  very  strong  in  Ireland.  Parliament  [is]  dissolved.  Xew  one  to 
meet  on  the  20  or  22  March.  Ship  came  from  Tor  Bay,  March  7.  Bill  for 
Corporations  twice  fallen  through;  once  by  Prorogation,  and  then  by  the 
dissolution.  My  humble  service  to  your  Honf,  Major  Walley,  and  the 
Gent"  with  you,  praying  God  to  turn  away  his  Anger  from  us,  and  to  take 
part  with  us,  I  take  my  leave,  and  remain  Sir,  your  Honours  Humble 
Serv*.  Sam.  Sewall. 

1  This  was  the  main  fruit  of  the  expedition  sent  forward  under  Phips, 
April  28,  1690.  It  consisted  of  seven  or  eight  hundred  men  in  eight  small 
vessels.  Port  Royal  (afterwards  Annapolis),  in  Acadia,  was  surprised  and 
captured  May  23.  Palfrey  (IV.  49)  adds  that  Phips  also  captured  and  de- 
stroyed the  French  fort  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  St.  John.  Hutchinson 
(I.  397)  says  that  the  fleet  returned  May  30,  1690.  This  trivial  success  led 
to  the  great  disaster  of  the  following  year.  —  Eds. 

'^  Rev.  Shubael  Dummer,  of  York,  was  killed  by  a  body  of  French  and 
Lidians,  in  an  attack  on  that  settlement,  Jan.  25,  169^.  — Eds. 

21 


322  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1690. 

come  to  his  Government  at  Virginia,  and  Gov!"  Slaughter 
to  New- York  :  First  comes  by  Water :  Mr.  Arnold,  the 
Keeper,  brings  the  second  by  Land.  This  day  I  goe  over 
to  Winisimet  and  see  my  Brother  St.  Sewall. 

May  25.  Sabbath.  Jane  Toppan  is  taken  very  ill ;  give 
her  a  vomit :  She  brings  up  three  great  Worms,  and  much 
fowl  matter. 

May  26.  Has  many  Symptoms  of  the  Small  Pocks,  we 
count  it  the  first  day. 

May  26.     Mr.  Cotton  Mather  prays  with  Eliakim. 

May  28.     Small  Pocks  apear. 

Sabbath,  June  1.  Betty  and  Joseph  are  taken.  Betty 
very  delirious.  Mr.  Moodey  is  known  to  have  the  Dis- 
temper. 

Monday,  June  9^}  Joseph  hath  a  very  bad  night,  as 
also  the  night  before. 

June  10^^  He  grows  better  and  the  Small  Pocks  doe 
aparently  dye  away  in  his  face. 

Wednesday,  June  11*.^  We  put  Sam.  to  Bed,  having 
the  Small  Pocks  come  out  upon  him,  as  the  Physician  and 
we  judge.  Betty  is  so  well  as  to  Goe  into  Mother  Hull's 
Chamber,  and  keep  Jane  Company,  between  9  and  10. 
viane. 

Thorsday,  June  12.  After  Lecture  there  is  a  Meeting 
of  the  Overseers  of  the  Colledge  :  the  Fellows  are  apointed 
to  hold  the  Comencement.  Mr.  Nathaniel  Gookin,  and 
Mr.  Cotton  Mather  were  chosen  Fellows,  i.e.  the  Choice 
of  the  Corporation  was  confirmed.  About  seven  aclock 
I  married  Capt.  Theophilus  Frary  and  Mrs.  Mary  Green- 
wood, at  the  house  of  said  Greenwood.^ 

Satterday,  June  14.  Have  all  my  family  together  at 
Prayer,  which  has  not  been  for  many  weeks  before.  Mr. 
Danforth,  Mr.  Russel,  Mr.  Hawthorn,  Major  Hutchinson, 

1  Capt.  Frary's  first  wife  was  Hannah,  daughter  of  Jacob  Eliot,  the 
mother  of  his  children.  This  second  wife  is  mentioned  in  his  will,  but  her 
surname  was  not  known  to  Savage.  —  Eds. 


1690.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  323 

S.  Sewall  and  Mr.  Corwin  subscribe  for  the  Albany  Expe- 
dition, Complaint  being  made  that  the  Council's  not  sub- 
scribing much  hindred  others. 

About  4  or  5.  P.M.  June  14*^  Mrs.  Winthrop  dies  of 
the  Small  Pocks.  About  the  same  time  Cyprian  Stephens, 
and  Nath!  Williams,  Son  of  Jn''  Williams,  die.  The  Lord 
fit  particular  persons  and  me  and  New  England  for  his 
good  pleasure. 

Monday,  June  16*:^  Notice  is  given  by  beat  of  Drum 
of  the  Sale  of  the  Souldiers  part  of  Plunder  taken  at  Port- 
Eoyal,  to  be  made  next  Wednesday :  this  between  3.  and 
4.  P.M. 

Monday,  June  16.  Between  7.  and  8.  in  the  Even  Mrs. 
Mary  Winthrop  is  buried :  Mr.  Houghton,  Col.  Shrimpton  ; 
Sewall,  Addington ;  Eliakim  Hutchinson,  Sergeant,  Bear- 
ers. Intended  Tuesday,  but  the  Heat  of  the  Weather 
compell'd  the  using  this  day.  Had  a  double  Coffin.  Capt. 
Torrey  was  buried  last  Thorsday ;  died  the  Tuesday  be- 
fore.    Mr.  Houghton,  Major  Richards,  there. 

June  17*.^  Tuesday.  Sam.  rises  and  sits  up  a  good  while 
very  hearty  and  strong.  Blessed  be  God.  This  day  one 
of  my  Shirts  goes  to  lay  out  a  Man  dead  at  Nurse  Hurds 
of  this  distemper,  being  a  Stranger. 

June  23.  Brother  Emons  buries  a  Daughter  of  a  Con- 
sumption.    Was  a  pious  Maid,  at  Woman's  Estate. 

June  27^^  John  Lake  dies  at  his  Mother's,  of  the  Small 
Pocks.  Col.  Shrimpton  loses  a  very  good  Servant.  Wil- 
liam Parson,  Mr.  Joseph  Parson's  only  Son  and  Child,  was 
buried  of  the  Small  Pocks  yesterday,  June  26. 

Friday,  July  4.  Mistress  Tyng,  wife  of  Mr.  Edward 
Tyng,  is  buried.  Mrs.  Parson  dies  this  day  of  a  Consump- 
tion and  Fever. 

June  30.  My  wife  and  I  ride  to  Braintrey  in  the  Coach, 
carrying  sick  Cousin  Quinsey  with  us :  ly  there  all  night. 

July  2.  Go  to  Cambridge  by  Water  in  the  Barge, 
wherein  the  Governour,  Major  Generall,  Capt.  Blackwell^ 


324  DIARr    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1690 

Mr.  Addington,  Allen,  Willard  and  others :  Had  the  Tide 
homeward.  Thirty  Commencers  besides  Mr.  Kogers,  Sir 
Mather,  and  Mr.  Emmerson.'  Sir  Mather  in  England  yet 
had  a  Degree  conferred  on  him.  Mr.  Rogers  and  Emmer- 
son  should  have  Commenc'd  last  year,  but  were  hindred 
by  Sickness. 

Sabbath-day  July  6.  When  we  are  at  the  Funeral  of 
Mrs.  Parson  the  News  comes  in  of  the  Engagement  at 
Oyster-River,  and  that  in  probability  two  Captains  slain. 

July  7*1^  Brother  Stephen  Sewall  goes  out  with  Sixty 
or  Seventy  Dragoons,  and  several  others  to  the  number  of 
150.  or  thereabout;  The  Lord  God  of  Hosts  goe  along 
wath  them. 

July  8.  Are  alarm'd  by  a  Post  who  brings  a  Relation 
of  Frenchmen  being  Landed  at  Cape-Cod,  and  marched 
within  ten  miles  of  Eastham. 

July  14^!^  1690.  Mrs.  Rebecca  Taylor  ^  dies  of  the  Small 
Pocks. 

July  16.  Mrs.  Taylor  buried.  William  Taylor  princi- 
pal mourner.  Bearers,  Major  Richards  and  Col.  Shrimp- 
ton,  Sewall,  E""  Hutchinson,  Middlecot,  Serjeant.  This 
day  Cousin  Quinsey  comes  from  Braintrey  in  Sam.  Mar- 
shal's Boat,  lands  at  Gill's  Wharf,  rests  at  our  House,  then 
gets  home.  Is  worse  than  when  he  went.  Mrs.  Green 
the  Printer's  ^  wife  dies  this  day.     Jn°  Coney's  only  Son 


^  Nathaniel  Rogers,  John  Emerson,  Samuel  Mather.  —  Eds. 

2  Mrs.  Taylor  has  already  been  mentioned  in  our  notes.  — Eds. 

^  Samuel  Green,  Jr.,  the  printer,  and  his  wife,  are  both  described  by  Dun- 
ton.  Thomas  (History  of  Printing,  I.  282)  quotes  a  letter  written  to  Rev. 
John  Cotton,  dated  Aug.  5,  1690,  which  says,  in  regard  to  Boston,  "the 
small  pox  is  as  bad  as  ever;  Printer  Green  died  of  it  in  three  days,  his  wife 
also  is  dead  with  it."  We  find  on  the  Colony  Records,  under  date  of  Nov. 
11,  1690,  an  order  to  pay  to  the  administrator  of  Samuel  Green,  late  of 
Boston,  printer,  the  balance  of   his  account. 

This  Samuel  Green,  Jr.,  was  the  son  of  Samuel  Green,  of  Cambridge,  like- 
wise a  printer,  and  the  progenitor  of  printers.  As  Savage  has  some  errors, 
we  will  state  the  latest  results  of  investigations. 

Samuel,  Sen.,  had  two  wives  and  many  children,  the  last  recorded  beinjj 


x690.]  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  325 

and  Child,  buried  this  day.  Mr.  C.  Mather  prays  with 
Cousin  Quinsey,  and  after  at  our  house. 

Sabbath,  July  20.  When  Mr.  Willard  was  in  his  first 
Prayer,  there  was  a  Cry  of  Fire,  which  made  the  People 
rush  out.  'Twas  said  Mr.  Winslow's  Chimney  was  on  fire. 
Just  about  the  same  time,  the  House  next  the  Old  Meeting- 
house, the  Chimney  smoaked  so,  and  beat  into  the  House 
that  made  great  disturbance  there. 

July  25.  Major  Nath!  Saltonstall,  and  Major  Tho. 
Henchman  aply  themselves  to  the  Council,  shewing  that 
if  so  many  be  press' d  for  Canada  as  the  Order  mentions, 
the  fronteers  will  draw  in,  and  they  themselves  profess 
they  will  do  so.  Major  Saltonstall  comes  no  farther  than 
Charlestown,  because  of  the  Small  Pocks.  Major  Generall, 
Mr.  Addington,  and  self  goe  over  and  give  him  a  visit. 

Tuesday,  July  29,  1690.  This  is  a  day  of  much  Thun- 
der and  plenteous  Rain  which  prevents  the  Souldiers  for 
Canada  their  mustering  as  was  intended.  Cous.  Quinsey 
as  I  sat  with  him  bid  me  shut  the  door,  and  ask'd  if  I  had 
done  that,  meaning  his  Will.  Mr.  Moodey  visited  him 
this  day.     He  is  very  low. 

July  30.  Eliakim  Mather  sets  out  for  Eastham.  Mr. 
Edw.  Rawson  and  I  have  hot  words  about  Deeds  he  shews 
me  relating  to  the  Salmon-Falls  Sawmill :  Capt.  Wincoll 


Dorcas,  b.  1671.  But,  by  Middlesex  Deeds,  XIY.,  it  seems  that  in  1707 
there  were  four  Greens  living  who  sell  land  with  the  w^idow.  Clearly  these 
were  his  sons,  and  the  last-named  two  were  Joseph,  and  Timothy  Green, 
printer.  Timothy  was  born  in  1679,  and  Joseph  was  doubtless  a  few  years 
older. 

Samuel,  Jr.,  did  not  marry  Elizabeth  Sill  (Paige  says  she  married  Samuel, 
son  of  Percival  Green,  of  Cambridge),  but  his  wife  was  doubtless  named 
Hannah,  as  the  Boston  Records  indicate.  Samuel  and  Hannah  had  Joseph 
and  Jane,  but  they  probably  died  young. 

Timothy  Green  went  to  Xew  London,  was  a  printer,  and  had  six  sons, 
three  of  whom  became  printers.  Of  these,  Samuel  had  Timothy,  a  printer, 
who  left  two  sons,  printers.  Jonas  went  to  Maryland,  and  had  three  sons, 
who  were  printers.  In  fact  we  believe  that  in  the  present  generation  several 
pursue  this  same  business.  — Eds. 


326  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1C90. 

having  in  '86.  made  a  Deed  to  George  Broughton,  and 
Acknowledged  it  in  April  last,  of  his  Right  in  the  Salmon- 
Falls  :  Of  which  Deed  said  Rawson  writ  out  a  Copy  before 
he  went  away  and  gave  me. 

Satterday,  Augt.  2.  News  comes  of  om^  Agents  having 
presented  Addresses  to  the  King  and  Queen  ;  of  the  King's 
intention  to  go  into  Ireland,  and  an  Act  framing  to  enable 
the  Queen  to  govern  in  the  mean  time.  Sloop  that  went 
for  Amunition,  her  arrival  at  Silly.  Vce  malum  !  about  2. 
aclock  after  midnight  a  fire  breaks  out  on  tother  side  the 
Mill-Crick,  which  gets  over  to  this  side  and  consumes 
about  fourteen  Dwelling  Houses  besides  Warehouses; 
Madam  Leverett,  and  Mrs.  Rock  are  great  Sharers  in 
the  Loss. 

Monday,  Augt.  4.  Cousin  Quinsey  signs,  seals  and 
publishes  his  Will,  Capt.  Jacob  Eliot,  Theophilus  Frary 
and  my  self  Witnesses.  Then  went  with  Major  Walley 
to  Dorchester  to  meet  Govy  Hinkley,  Comissioner  for 
Plimouth,  but  Conecticut  and  Rhode-Island  failing,  noth- 
ing could  be  done  to  purpose  :  but  urgd  Govf  Hinkley  to 
furnish  us  with  a  hundred  Men  :  hope  he  will  send  fifty. 
Din'd  with  Mr.  Stoughton.  Went  and  saw  Capt.  With- 
ington's  Company,  16  files,  4  deep,  drawn  up  by  the 
Meetinghouse,  gave  them  a  French  Crown  to  drink.  Took 
Mrs.  Mills's  Acknowledgment  of  a  Deed  as  she  lay  abed. 
Mrs.  Pierce  buried  near  the  Tomb  of  her  Grandfather 
Cotton. 

Friday,  Augt.  8, 1690.  Dept.  Governour,  Major  Generall, 
Major  Richards,  Mr.  Russell,  Major  Hutchinson,  Major 
Phillips,  Mr.  Addington  and  self  went  to  Nantasket  to  see  the 
Lieut.  Generall  ^  Muster  his  Souldiers  on  Georges  Island ; 
went  on  board  the  Six  Friends  ;  urgd  that  might  sail  by 
the  first  oportunity ;  came  up  to  Town.  And  about  11. 
or  12.  at  night  Major  Hutchinson,  Mr.  Addington  and  S.  S. 

'  The  Lieutenant-General  was  John  Walley,  of  Barnstable.  —  Eds. 


1690.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  327 

with  Mr.  Eyre  went  down  again  carrying  Carriages  for 
field-pieces.  Anchor'd  at  Nantasket  about  3.  When  day, 
Aiigt.  9*",  was  come,  went  on  board  ;  the  Generall  per- 
suaded Him  to  make  Signs  of  Sailing  ;  then  with  the 
Lieut.  Generall  visited  the  Ships  of  War  and  other  Vessels, 
directed  as  to  the  number  of  Souldiers  each  vessel  was  to 
have  and  order' d  to  make  Signs  of  Sailing.  Wind  comes 
fresh  from  Sea ;  Go  and  dine  at  Hull  with  Sir  W^illiam 
[Phips]  and  his  Lady  and  Mr.  Hale  :  Come  on  board,  order 
is  given  to  unmore,  to  be  in  a  readiness  if  the  wind  should 
spring  up.  About  6.  wind  veer'd  and  the  Fleet  came  to 
sail.  Four  Ships  of  War,  and  28  other.  Brought  up  my 
Lady  from  Hull.  Got  up  to  Town  about  9.  at  night ;  call'd 
at  Cous.  Quinsey's  whom  I  found  very  ill. 

Sabbath,  Augt.  10*^  Went  to  see  Cous.  Quinsey ;  read 
the  102.  Psal.  and  begin  103.  pray'd,  and  so  went  home. 
Put  up  a  Bill  at  his  request.  Just  after  Contribution  in 
the  Afternoon,  was  call'd  out.  Cousin  being  very  bad,  so 
far  as  I  could  perceive.  He  desired  me  to  pray,  which  I 
did  :  Afterward  sent  for  Mr.  Willard,  and  He  pray'd,  then 
Cousin  pull'd  his  hand  out  of  the  Bed,  and  gave  it  to  Mr. 
Willard.  Seem'd  to  pray  himself  ;  but  I  could  hear  little 
except  Jesus  Christ ;  breath'd  quick  and  hard,  till  at  last 
abated  and  He  quietly  expired  about  Seven  aclock.  Mother 
Hull  and  I  being  there.  I  have  parted  with  a  cordial  fast 
Friend,  such  an  one  as  I  shall  hardly  find.  The  Lord  fit 
me  for  my  Change  and  help  me  to  wait  till  it  come. 
Cousin  was  concern'd  what  he  should  doe  for  Patience, 
but  God  graciously  furnish' d  him,  and  has  now  translated 
Him  to  that  State  and  place  wherein  He  has  no  occasion 
for  any. 

Tuesday,  Augt.  12.  About  7.  P.M.  we  lay  the  Body 
of  Cous.  Daniel  Quinsey  in  my  Father's  Tomb.  Mr.  Ser- 
jeant, Duiner,  H.  Usher,  Davis,  Williams,  Coney,  Bearers. 
I  led  the  Widow,  then  the  Children,  next,  Mr.  T.  Brattle, 
Mrs.  Shepard,  H.  Newman,  Mistress  Margaret,  Mr.  Wih 


328  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1690. 

lard  J  Mother  Hull,  Mr.  Parson,  my  wife  and  so  on.  Note. 
My  wife  was  so  ill  could  hardly  get  home,  taking  some 
harm  in  going  in  Pattens,  or  some  wrench,  so  had  a  great 
flux  of  Blood,  which  amaz'd  us  both,  at  last  my  wife  bad 
me  call  Mrs.  Ellis,  then  Mother  Hull,  then  the  Midwife, 
and  throw  the  Goodness  of  God  was  brought  to  Bed  of  a 
Daughter  between  3.  and  four  aclock,  Aug.  13*.^  1690. 
mane  Mrs.  Elisabeth  Weeden,  Midwife.  Had  not  Wo- 
men nor  other  preparations  as  usually,  being  wholly  sur- 
pris'd,  my  wife  expecting  to  have  gone  a  Moneth  longer. 

Wednesday,  Augt.  13,  1690.  Eliakim  Mather  goes  away 
about  10.  at  night  for  Eastham,  and  so  for  Jamaica  before 
his  Return. 

Augt.  16.  Capt.  Cyprian  Southack  comes  in,  saith  he 
saw  not  the  Fleet. 

Augt.  17.  Mr.  Willard  keeps  his  Sabbath  at  Roxbury, 
and  so  the  Baptism  of  my  little  Daughter  is  deferred  to 
the  next  Lord's  Day. 

Sabbath-day,  August  the  four  and  twentieth,  1690.  I 
publish  my  little  Daughter's  name  to  be  Judith,  held  her 
up  for  Mr.  Willard  to  baptize  her.  She  cried  not  at  all, 
though  a  pretty  deal  of  water  was  poured  on  her  by  Mr. 
Willard  when  He  baptized  her  :  Six  others  were  baptized 
at  the  same  time ;  Capt.  Davis's  Son  James,  and  a  grown 
person,  Margaret  Clifford,  two  of  them.  I  named  my 
Daughter  Judith  for  the  sake  of  her  Grandmother  and 
great  Grandmother,  who  both  wore  that  Name,  and  the 
Signification  of  it  very  good :  The  Lord  grant  that  we 
may  have  great  cause  to  praise  Him  on  her  account  and 
help  her  to  speak  the  Jews  Language  and  to  forget  that 
of  Ashdod.  Nehem.  13.  24.  And  that  she  may  follow 
her  Grandmother  Hull,  as  she  follows  Christ,  being  not 
slothfull  in  Business,  fervent  in  Spirit,  serving  the  Lord. 
Her  Prayers  and  Painstaking  for  all  my  Children  are 
incessant,  voluntary,  with  condescension  to  the  meanest 
Services  night  and  day  :  that  I  judg'd  I  could  in  justice 


1690.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  329 

doe  no  less  than  endeavour  her  remembrance  by  putting 
her  Name  on  one  of  her  Grand-Daughters.  I  have  now 
had  my  health  and  oportunity  to  offer  up  Nme  Children 
to  God  in  Baptisme.  Mr.  Tho.  Thacher  baptized  the  two 
eldest ;  John  and  Samuel ;  Mr.  Samuel  Willard  baptized 
the  Seven  younger.  Lord  grant  that  I  who  have  thus 
solemnly  and  frequently  named  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesus,  may  depart  from  Iniquity ;  and  that  mine  may  be 
more  His  than  Mine,  or  their  own. 

Augt.  28.  Pubhck  Fast.  Letters  are  brought  to  the 
Governour  informing  that  the  Maquaws  [Mohawks]  fail- 
ing to  join  the  Christians  at  Wooden  [Wood]  Creek  about 
100  miles  above  Albany,  they  were  coming  back  again, 
which  puts  a  great  damp  upon  us  here,  to  think  that  our 
fleet  should  be  disapointed  of  their  expected  Aid. 

Augt.  29*!".  We  hear  by  a  vessel  9.  weeks  from  Bris- 
tow  of  King  William's  being  in  Ireland  with  a  great  Army 
and  vast  Preparations  of  War.  Sail'd  from  High-Lake  ^  the 
11*.^  of  June  1690.  Mrs.  Davis  buried  this  day,  who  died 
of  the  Small  Pocks  in  Child-Bed. 

Augt.  29,  1690.  I  watch  at  night  with  about  30.  men. 
Word  was  Skenectady.  Nathan^  Clarke  of  Newbury  buried 
this  week,  died  Augt.  25. 

Sept.  1,  1690.  Eight  Companies  Train.  Governour 
dines  at  Mr.  Pain's  with  the  South  Company.  Capt. 
Frary  exercises  the  Company.  Joseph  is  carried  into  the 
Comon  to  take  the  air  and  see  the  men. 

Friday,  Sept.  5*-.  I  went  to  Cambridge  in  the  morn  to 
visit  Brother  Stephen  Sewall  and  his  wife,  and  come  down 
with  the  Dept.  Governour  and  Marshal. 

Sept.  9.    Mrs.  Jane  Pole,^  w^idow,  a  Mother  in  our  Israel, 


1  We  cannot  explain  the  name  "  High  Lake."     Macaulay  says  William 
sailed  from  Chester. — Eds. 

2  This  may  be  the  widow  of  William  Poole,  of  Dorchester,  of  whom  Savage 
writes  doubtfully  as  to  her  name;  viz.,  perhaps  Mary  Richmond.  — Eds. 


330  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1690. 

died  at  Kiver-House  in  Boston,  Sept.  9*.^  and  was  buried 
at  Dorchester  Sept.  11^.!^  1690. 

Thorsday  Sept.  11*-^  Being  crowded  in  the  Pue,  by 
reason  Mr.  Hutchinson  and  Sergeant  constantly  sit  there 
and  claim  Propriety,  so  Mr.  Usher  is  forced  to  take  my 
place  :  having  also  found  that  sitting  so  near  the  out-side 
of  the  House  causeth  me  in  Winter-time  to  take  cold  in 
my  head,  I  removed  into  Gallery,  and  sat  with  Dept.  Gov- 
ernour,  Mr.  Russel,  Major  Hutchinson,  where  had  very 
convenient  sitting. 

Sept.  13*.^  Sister  Emons  buried.  This  Week  we  hear 
of  a  sore  fight  ^  between  the  English  and  French  Fleets. 

Sept.  14*^  I  Watch,  Word  was  Salmon-Falls,  had  a 
very  comfortable  night;  only  between  3.  and  4.  were 
disquieted  by  Guns  fired  at  Charlestown,  and  Drum  beat : 
But  I  did  not  observe  a  continual  Beat  of  the  Drum,  so 
cans' d  not  an  Alarm ;  and  about  day  a  Messenger  was 
sent  over  who  told  us  the  occasion  was  some  Indians  seen 
in  their  back  fields.  Run-away  Servants  they  apear  to  be  ; 
by  which  means  the  Town  was  generally  rais'd  :  But 
throw  God's  goodness  Trouble  at  Boston  prevented. 

Tuesday,  Sept.  16*^  About  eleven  at  night  a  Fire 
breaks  out  at  the  House  of  Jn^  Allen,  Worsted  Comber, 
in  which  his  Aprentice,  Sam.  Worster,  was  burned,  with 
the  House  of  Lieut.  Reynolds,  Mr.  Bligh,  Langden  and  a 
great  part  of  Savil  Simson's.  The  wind  being  Sou-west 
the  South-Meeting-House  was  preserv'd  with  very  much 
difficulty,  being  in  a  flame  in  diverse  places  of  it.  Capt. 
Cyprian  Southack,  and  Lieut.  David  Mason  did  very 
worthily,  hazarding  themselves  with  many  others  on  the 
Lead  for  a  great  while. 

Sept.  17'.^.     Fast  at  Mr.  Mathers. 

Sept.  18*.^  Mr.  Willard's  Edward  dies  of  a  Convulsion 
Fit. 

*  Battle  of  Beachy  Head,  June  29.  — Eds. 


1690.]  DIARY    OF    SAISIUEL    SEWALL.  331 

Sept.  20.  Is  buried  at  Koxbury  in  Mr.  Eliot's  Tomb,  I 
was  at  the  Funeral.  Kain  and  Thunder  this  day  after  a 
great  deal  of  dry  wether  which  made  it  extream  dusty. 
Mr.  Walter  went  to  Prayer  :  Mrs.  Willard  sick,  and  not  at 
the  Grave.  My  little  Judith  languishes  and  moans,  ready 
to  die. 

Sabbath,  Sept.  21.  About  2  mane,  I  rise,  read  some 
Psalms  and  pray  with  my  dear  Daughter.  Between  7. 
and  8.  (Mr.  Moodey  preaches  in  the  Forenoon,)  I  call  Mr. 
Willard,  and  he  prays.  Told  Mr.  Walter  of  her  condition 
at  the  funeral,  desiring  him  to  give  her  a  lift  towards 
heaven.  Mr.  Baily  sat  with  me  in  the  Afternoon.  I  ac- 
quainted Him.  Between  7.  and  8.  in  the  evening  the  child 
died,  and  I  hope  sleeps  in  Jesus. 

Sept.  22.  In  the  even,  Mr.  Moodey,  Allen,  Mather 
come  from  Mrs.  Clark's  Funeral  to  see  us.  Mr.  Moodey 
and  I  went  before  the  other  came,  to  neighbor  Hord,  who 
lay  dying  ;  where  also  Mr.  Allen  came  in.  Nurse  Hord 
told  her  Husband  who  was  there,  and  what  he  had  to  say  ; 
whether  he  desir'd  them  to  pray  with  him :  He  said  with 
some  earnestness,  Hold  your  tongue,  which  was  repeated 
three  times  to  his  wive's  repeated  intreaties;  once  he  said. 
Let  me  alone,  or,  be  quiet,  (whether  that  made  a  fourth 
or  was  one  of  the  three  do  not  remember)  and,  My  Spirits 
are  gon.  At  last  Mr.  Moodey  took  him  up  pretty  roundly 
and  told  him  he  might  with  the  same  labour  have  given  a 
pertinent  answer.  When  were  ready  to  come  away  Mr. 
Moodey  bid  him  put  forth  a  little  Breath  to  ask  prayer,  and 
said  twas  the  last  time  had  to  speak  to  him ;  At  last  ask'd 
him,  doe  you  desire  prayer,  shall  I  pray  with  you,  He  an- 
swer'd.  Ay  for  the  Lord's  sake,  and  thank'd  Mr.  Moodey 
when  had  done.  His  former  carriage  was  very  startling 
and  amazing  to  us.  About  One  at  night  he  died.  About 
11.  aclock  I  supposed  to  hear  neighbour  Mason  at  prayer 
with  him,  just  as  I  and  my  wife  were  going  to  bed.  Mr. 
Allen  prayed  with  us  when  came  from  said  Hord's. 


332  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1690 

Sept.  23.  Tuesday,  between  5.  and  6.  Sir  Moodey  car- 
ries the  Body  of  my  dear  Judith  to  the  Tomb,  Solomon 
Rainsford  receives  it  on  the  Stairs  and  sets  it  in.  On  the 
Coffin  is  the  year  1690.  made  with  httle  nails.  Gov'^  Brad- 
street  and  Lady,  Mrs.  Moodey,  Mather,  the  Mother,  Mr. 
Winthrop,  Kichards  here,  with  many  others ;  Ministers, 
Willard,  Moodey,  Mather. 

As  we  were  going,  one  [blank]  of  Watertown  came  up 
with  the  Bearer,  and  talk'd  to  him  on  horseback,  Mr. 
Moodey  bid  him  be  gon  about  his  business ;  at  that  he 
was  in  a  rage  and  threaten'd  to  strike  him,  and  said  he 
was  a  pittyfull  Dogg  and  we  were  all  pittyfuU  Doggs.  I 
thought  of  David  and  Shimei  and  said  nothing  to  him. 
The  Lord  prepare  me  to  undergo  evil  Report,  and  to  be 
vilified  by  men ;  but  not  for  evil-doing.  I  led  my  wife, 
Sam.  his  Grandmother,  Hanah  Betty,  Jane  Toppan  man- 
aged Joseph.  Before  we  went.  Children  read  the  18. 19.  and 
20^.^  Chapters  of  John,  being  in  course  for  family  reading. 

Sept.  24.  Between  5.  and  6.  P.M.  Jn«  Hord  buried  ; 
None  of  our  House  there  save  Mother  Hull. 

Sept.  25.  A  printed  sheet  ^  entituled  publick  Occurences 
comes  out,  which  gives  much  distaste  because  not  Licensed  ; 
and  because  of  the  passage  referring  to  the  French  King 
and  the  Maquas. 

Sept.  30.  Going  to  Muddy-River,  I  meet  Simon  Gates 
and  his  Wife  bound  for  Dorchester  Lecture,  so  turn  back  and 
goe  with  them  from  D.[eacon]  Eliot's  plain  by  Bearsto's. 
Mr.  Danforth  preached  and  pray'd  very  well.  Text  18. 
Luke  —  and  shall  not  God: — shew'd  that  God  would 
certainly  hear  and  deliver  his  people  at  their  Importunity. 
Mr.  Torrey  there,  with  whom  din'd  at  Mr.  Danforth's,  and 
with  Mr.  Nehem.  and  Gershom  Hobart.  I  sat  in  Mr. 
Stoughton's  Pue ;  His  family  not  well. 

1  This  sheet  is  said  to  be  of  four  quarto  pages,  one  of  which  is  blank,  and 
was  printed  by  Richard  Pierce  for  Benjamin  Harris.  A  copy  is  in  the  State 
Paper  OflBice  in  London.     Felt,  History  of  Salen: ,  I.  —  Eds. 


1690.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  o3o 

Oct.  1.  Print  of  the  Governour  and  Council  conies  out 
shewing  their  disallowance  of  the  Public  Occurrences. 

Oct.  2.    Mr.  Mather  writes  a  very  sharp  Letter  about  it. 

Oct.  13.  John  Marion  jun'  is  chosen  Clerk  of  the  South- 
Company  and  Sworn,  had  23  Votes. 

Oct  7.     Mrs.  Cook  aged  75  years  died. 

Oct.  9.  Buried  in  the  new  burying  place.  Maj!"  Rich- 
ards, Maj!"  Generall,  Maj""  Hutchinson,  Col.  Shrimpton, 
Sewall  and  Addington,  Bearers.     Buried  after  the  Fast. 

Oct.  14.  Fast  at  Roxbury,  I  go  thether  on  foot ;  Lady 
Phipps  there,  is  come  to  Town  again  it  seems,  the  Small 
Pocks  being  at  Charlestown. 

Oct.  15.  Had  Sam.  over  to  Wiiiisimet  to  see  his  Unkle 
Stephen,  Mr.  Evans  carried  him  home  behind  him  from 
the  Ferry. 

Oct.  19^!".     Mrs.  Goose  dies  of  an  Apoplexy. 

Oct.  21.  Is  buried  in  the  new  burying  place,  Sewall, 
Addington  ;  Eliot,  Frary ;  Townsend,  Allen  ;  Bearers.  Is 
a  rumor  in  Town  that  Sir  Edmund  is  to  come  Governour 
of  New- York,  and  Col.  Slater  our  Governour.  Tories  are 
flush'd,  and  'tis  said  were  drinking  Sir  Edmund's  Health 
last  night  at  Neh.  Pierce's.  Capt.  Hamond  refused  last 
week  to  deliver  the  Records. 

Tuesday,  Nov.  4.  Accompanied  Mr.  Stoughton  to  Col. 
Paige's.  He  sent  his  Coach  to  the  Ferry  for  us.  Found 
at  's  house  Col.  Gedney^  Major  Brown,  and  my  brother 
Sewall ;  had  a  sumtuous  Feast.  Col.  Gedney  presses 
earnestly  that  Volunteers  may  be  encouraged  Eastward. 

Thorsday,  November  the  Sixth  1690,  at  my  House  in 
Boston  Samuel  Haugh  and  Mr.  Thomas  Savage  mutually 
sign'd,  seal'd  and  deliver'd  Indentures  to  each  other ;  Sam. 
to  serve  him  from  7'^  Octf  last.  Seven  years  and  Six 
Moneths.  Witnesses,  S.  S.  Joseph  Wheeler,  Jn°  Cole, 
Thomas  Banister. 

Friday,  Nov.  8,  1690.  Read  Gov^  Leisler's  extream 
sharp  Letter.     Jn?  Hoar  comes  into  the  Lobby  and  sais 


334  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1690. 

he  comes  from  the  Lord,  by  the  Lord,  to  speak  for  the 
Lord ;  Complains  that  Sins  as  bad  as  Sodom's  found  here. 
Pass  20.  Kates,  a  Bill  to  encourage  Volunteers.  Head 
money  to  be  but  12"^  for  each  of  the  20  Rates.  About  8. 
at  night,  Governour  and  Magistrates  goe  into  the  Deputy's 
Room,  Governour  prays  that  Mountain  of  the  Lord's  House 
may  be  established  in  the  top  of  the  mountains,  &c.  Ad- 
journs the  Court  to  the  10^^  of  December  at  9.  mane. 
Between  9.  and  10.  at  night,  Governour  sends  to  me  and 
enforms  of  the  defeat  at  Canada;  and  that  Urrumbee, 
Hawkins,  and  other  chief  Indians  sued  for  peace.  News 
of  Canada  came  from  Salem.  Shute  comes  into  Boston 
that  night  or  next  morning,  hath  thrown  over  aboard  more 
than  Sixty  persons  since  his  going  hence,  most  Indians  of 
Plimouth.  Town  much  fill'd  with  the  discourse,  and  some 
cast  blame  on  Major  Walley;  were  nine  weeks  getting 
thether  and  landed  not  before  the  T^  or  8*^  of  October. 

Satterday,  Nov.  8.  Council  meets.  Send  away  Major 
Hutchinson,  Capt.  Townsend  and  others  to  Wells  to  treat 
with  the  Indians,  and  commit  the  care  of  the  sick  on  board 
Shute,  to  the  Select-Men.  Two  lie  dead  on  board  at  this 
time,  the  Small  Pocks  and  Cold  kills  them.^ 

Friday,  Novembl"  21, 1690.  Mr.  Sam!  Willard,  Mr.  Edw. 
Rawson,  Capt.  Joshua  Scottow,  Deacon  Jacob  Eliot,  Dea- 
con Theophilus  Frary  and  Samuel  Sewall  met  together,  at 
said  Se wall's  House  in  Boston.  4  Mr.  Edward  Rawson  in 
regard  of  his  Age,  and  dwelling  out  of  Town  desired  that 
Mrs.  Judith  Winthrop's  Deed  of  the  Meeting-house  Land 
in  Boston,  her  Receipt,  Mr.  Leveret's  Release,  Mrs.  Nor- 
ton's Deed  of  Gift  1669,  Mrs.  Norton's  Deed  of  Gift  1677, 
An  Instrument  of  Mr.  Edw.  Rawson,  Capt.  Joshua  Scot- 


1  Hutchinson,  I.  404,  says  a  truce  was  made  at  Sagadahoc,  Nov.  19,  1690, 
by  Capt.  John  Alden,  with  the  Indian  chiefs  Edgeremet,  Toqualmot,  Watom- 
bamet,  Naictumbuit,  Walombec,  and  John  Hawkins.  He  adds  that  the 
Indian  name  of  the  last  chief  is  not  given,  and  that  the  others  are  all  names 
of  dignity,  not  personal  appellations.  —  Eds. 


1G90.]  DIAKT    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  335 

tow,  and  Capt.  Jacob  Eliot  to  Sam!  Sewall  and  others,  being 
Six  Writings  in  all,  should  be  put  into  a  Chest  to  be  pro- 
vided for  that  purpose,  on  which  a  Coper  plate  to  be  fas- 
tened with  this  Engraving,  South  Church,  and  Mr.  Peter 
Sergeant  to  be  entreated  to  keep  the  said  Chest  in  his 
house,  being  of  Brick  and  conveniently  situated ;  and 
that,  if  can  conveniently  do,  also  put  the  Church  plate 
in  said  Chest ;  and  said  Edward  Eawson  comitted  the 
above-mentioned  writings  to  said  Eliot  to  be  disposed  of 
as  above  with  as  great  Speed  as  conveniently  may  be, 
according  to  this  Agreement. 

Signed  by  —  Edward  Rawson. 

Sam  Sewall. 

j.  scottow. 

Jacob  Eliot. 

Theo.  Frary. 

Nov.  21.  I  accompanied  Capt.  Hill  to  the  Funeral  of 
Joseph  Asgood,  or  Asbud,  of  Almsbury,  a  souldier  of  about 
18  years  old  who  died  at  Fort-hill  of  the  Small  Pocks.  Mr. 
Laurence,  Capt.  Davis's  Son-in-Law,  is  buried  this  day ;  so 
that  Five  own  Sisters  are  now  Widows.  'Twas  Tuesday, 
the  18*!"  of  November,  that  I  heard  of  the  death  of  Capt. 
Stephen  Greenleaf,  Lieut.  James  Smith  and  Ensign  W^ 
Longfellow,  Serj*  Increase  Pilsbury,  who  with  Will  Mitch- 
ell, Jabez  Musgro,  and  four  more  were  drown'd  at  Cape 
Britoon  on  Friday  night  the  last  of  October. 

Satterday,  Nov.  22.  Went  to  the  burial  of  Major  Sam^ 
Ward ;  was  buried  a  very  little  to  the  Westward  of  our 
Tomb.  Major  Walley,  Savage,  Townsend ;  Capt.  Wing, 
Greenough,  Barnard,  Bearers.  Govl^  Bradstreet  and  's 
Lady  went  next  the  Herse.  Was  buried  from  Mr.  Skiiier's, 
a  Relation.  Major  Hutchinson  with  about  13  files  4  deep, 
attended  the  funeral.  One  Volley  only,  because  of  the 
scarcity  of  Powder. 

Wednesday,  Nov.  26*^.     Mr.  Willard  and  I  rid  to  Dor- 


336  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1690 

Chester,  from  thence  with  Mr.  Stoughton  and  Danforth, 
the  Minister,  to  Braintrey,  where  met  Mr.  Torrey.  I 
sign'd  a  Lease  to  Nehem.  Hay  den  ;  Mr.  Stoughton,  Unkle 
Qiiinsey  and  his  Son  Witnesses.  Mr.  Torrey  is  for  a  Fast, 
or  at  least  a  Fast  first.  Mr.  Willard  for  a  Thanksgiving 
first.  Mr.  Torrey  fears  lest  a  Thanksgiving  should  tend 
to  harden  people  in  their  carnal  confidence.  Cousin  Gookin 
grows  worse  of  her  brest  rather  than  better.  Were  wet 
coming  home ;  met  Mr.  Caleb  Moodey  and  N.  Gooding  on 
Crane's  plain,  riding  to  meet  the  Son  of  said  Moodey,  who 
came  home  in  Jarvis  and  landed  at  Cape-Cod  Harbour. 
When  came  home  went  to  Capt.  Hill's  to  the  Meeting.  I 
read  the  11^!^  Sermon  of  Mr.  Flavell  to  the  end  of  the  3*^ 
Excellency ;  6  first  Lines  I  composed  with  my  own  hand 
in  London  concerning  God's  being  the  Centre  and  Rest  of 
the  Soul.  No  body  ask'd  for  the  Meeting,  so  I  invited 
them  to  our  house.       [See  note  in  errata,  p.  510.] 

Nov.  27.  As  2^  Bell  is  begun  to  be  rung  for  Lecture, 
the  Cleper  falls  out,  the  staple  that  held  it  being  broken. 
At  night  Goodm.  Williams  rings  the  South-Bell  for  9 
aclock,  at  which  many  people  started,  fearing  there  had 
been  fire.  No  ringing  at  the  Old  Meeting-House  on  the 
Sabbath,  Nov.  30,  nor  9  aclock  Bell  since  Thorsday,  that 
I  have  heard. 

Nov.  29.     MenvaP  had  a  hearing  before  the  Council  as 


^  Monsieur  de  Menevall  was  the  Governor  of  Port  Royal  in  Acadie,  and 
was  brought  here  by  Phips  as  a  prisoner  of  war.  In  Mass.  Archives,  Vol. 
XXXVI.,  are  some  papers  relating  to  him.  Thus  (p.  233),  Governor  Brad- 
street  gave  him  leave,  Oct.  6,  1690,  to  go  to  any  part  of  Europe,  with  two 
servants.  But,  Dec.  25,  1690  (p.  262),  Phips  ordered  him  to  be  sent  to  jail 
for  breaking  the  articles  of  treaty. 

Jan.  7,  1690-1,  Bradstreet  writes  a  private  letter  to  Phips,  saying  that  the 
Council  made  an  order,  December  30,  for  the  delivery  to  Meneval  of  his  chest 
and  clothes,  "  taken  into  custody  by  your  order  when  he  was  brought  up  from 
on  board  the  vessel."  But  as  M.  has  not  received  them,  and  is  in  great  want 
of  his  clothes,  Bradstreet  reminds  Phips  of  that  order,  and  hopes  he  will 
execute  it. 

It  seems,  from  a  letter  in  Vol.  XXXVII.,  p.  2,  that  the  Chevalier  de  la 


1690.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  337 

to  Mone}^  of  his  in  Sir  William's  hand  :  very  fierie  words 
between  Sir  William  and  Mr.  Nelson.  When  Sir  William 
went  out  seemed  to  say  would  never  come  there  more,  had 
been  so  abus'd  by  said  Nelson,  and  if  Council  would  not 
right  him,  he  would  right  himself. 

Nov.  30.  Tis  extream  cold  and  poor  Cous.  Savage  is 
still  aboard  at  Nantasket,  not  being  able  to  be  brought  up 
yesterday,  wind  so  high,  he  so  low  brought  by  wound  and 
sickness. 

Dec.  1,  1690.  The  Pink  Eagle  80  Tuns,  Joseph  Buckly 
Master,  Loaden  for  Jamaica,  was  burnt  in  the  Harbour, 
very  little  sav'd  besides  a  new  Cable ;  came  by  Careless- 
ness. Owners,  Capt.  Checkly,  his  Brother  Sam.  Mr. 
Foxcroft. 

Dec.  1.  Went  to  the  Funeral  of  John  Hews  of  New- 
bury, a  Souldier  from  Canada,  died  of  the  bloody  flux. 
Mr.  Moodey  and  his  Son  went  next  the  Corps,  Major 
Eichards  and  Hutchinson  next,  Sewall  and  Thornton,  Capt. 
Hall,  &c. ;  about  30  or  40  Men  and  Women  :  Extream 
Cold.     Visited  Sir  William,  so  home. 

Dec.  2.     lieut.  Ephr.  Sale  dies. 

Dec.  3.  Brother  Needham  dies  and  Goodw.  Deacon. 
I  was  with  Brother  Needham  on  Tuesday  about  11.  aclock 
and  had  comfortable  discourse  with  him  ;  I  had  much  adoe 
to  persuade  him  to  let  me  help  him  on  with  his  Jacket ; 
he  was  much  affected  with  the  kindness. 

Satterday,  Dec.  6.  Brother  W!^  Needham  is  buried 
about  3  aclock  :  Bearers,  Deacon  Eliot,  Frary,  Allen,  Tom- 
son,  Bridgham.  Had  Rings  and  Gloves.  Executors  sent 
me  a  Ring. 

Wednesday,  Dec.  3,  1690.  A  Church  is  gathered,  and 
Mr.  John  Whiting  Ordained  Minister  at  Lancaster.  Mr. 
Sam  Whiting  gives  him  his  Charge,  Mr.  Estabrooks  gives 


Tourasse  was  made  Gk)veraor  of  Port  Royal  by  our  government  after  the 
capture.  — Eds. 

22 


338  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL,  [1690. 

the  Right  hand  of  Fellowship  -,  Mr.  Brinsmead  and  others 
there. 

Monday,  Dec.  8.  Din'd  with  me  at  the  Royal  Exchange, 
Sir  William  Phips,  Isaac  Addington  Esqr.,  Mr.  Sam^  Wil- 
lard,  Capt.  Joshua  Scottow,  Capt.  Nath!  Byfield,  Mr.  Peter 
Sergeant,  Samson  Sheaf,  Thomas  Brattle,  Jn°  Eyre,  Henry 
Derings,  Capt.  James  Hill.     Twelve  in  all. 

Dec.  16,  1690.  Very  cold.  I  visit  the  Major  Generall 
in  the  even,  who  has  kept  house  ever  since  Wednesday 
last,  through  pain  and  Indisposition  by  putting  his  Ankle- 
bone  of  his  right  legg  out  of  joynt.  Advised  him  of  the 
Fast  to  morrow. 

I  spoke  with  Mr.  Partridge  about  Kittery  Grant,  that  if 
he  cut  any  Masts  there,  he  should  give  me  an  account  of 
them,  and  I  would  use  him  well.  He  said  he  got  Masts 
at  Exeter,  and  not  there  this  winter :  and  would  be  sure 
to  wrong  no  man,  much  less  me. 

Wednesday,  Decemb^  17,  1690.  A  Day  of  Prayer  is 
kept  at  the  Townhouse,  Mr.  Allen  prays,  Mr.  Moodey 
preaches,  Mr.  Willard  prays.  'Tis  so  cold  and  so  much 
Ice  in  Charlestown  River,  that  neither  Dept.  Governour, 
Treasurer,  Mr.  Morton,  nor  Charlestown  Deputies  could 
get  over.  Mr.  Russel  hath  the  Small  Pocks  which  stays 
him.  Mr.  C.  Mather  is  ill,  and  can't  come.  Major  Gen- 
erall has  put  his  Ankle  out  of  joynt,  he  not  there.  Col. 
Shriinpton  and  Deacon  Eliot  were  there.  This  morning 
we  have  the  sad  new^s  of  the  death  of  Mr.  John  Clark,  our 
beloved  Physician,  between  4.  and  5.  mane. 

Dec.  19,  1690.  Heard  Mr.  Thacher  preach  at  neigh- 
bour Herridges;  then  went  to  the  Funeral  of  Mr.  Jn"" 
Clark ;  Bearers,  Richards,  Hutchinson,  Addington,  Mid- 
dlecot ;  Townsend,  Turell.  Governour  [Bradstreet],  Sir 
William,  Major  Johnson,  Treasurer  [Phillips],  and  Sewall 
went  next  the  Relations.  Warm  Southerly  wether.  Three 
desirable  Men  now  dead ;  one  out  of  each  Church.  Our 
Mr.  PaiU;  the  oldest,  being  about  68. 


:69f]  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  339 

December  23, 1690.  Major  Pike  tells  me  in  the  Town- 
house of  Eliakim  Mather's  being  come.  Came  with  Mr. 
Cotton  about  noon,  but  I  saw  him  not  till  night,  being 
detained  at  the  Townhouse  all  day. 

Dec.  29,  1690.  Mr.  Addington  and  I  goe  to  Sir  William 
Phips's,  where  Mr.  Moodey  and  Mr.  Mather  in  his  Border  : 
had  very  sharp  discourse  ;  Mr.  Mather  very  angrily  said 
that  they  who  did  such  things  as  suffering  Sir  William  to 
be  arrested  by  Meneval,  w^ere  Frenchmen,  or  the  people 
would  say  they  were,  &c. 

Dec.  30.  Council  orders  the  Writt  against  Sir  William 
to  be  null. 

Dec.  31.  Visit  Cousin  Savage  at  Eeading,  who  keeps 
his  Bed,  and  can  hardly  stir,  yet  is  cheerly. 

Jan.  1,  [16 9f]  Visit  Capt.  Clap.  Mr.  Allen  preaches 
against  minding  our  own  things,  &c.  His  house  broken 
up  in  Lecture  time  and  above  40£  in  Money  stolen. 

Jan.  2.     Eliezer  Russel  buried. 

Jan.  3.  Josiah  Grice,  a  very  usefull  man  and  good 
Christian,  died  last  night.  Mrs.  Ruck  buried  this  day, 
Sam.  Clark's  Aunt;  outliving  her  Son  but  a  very  little 
w^hile. 

Jan.  7*.^.  Mr.  Addington  and  I  went  to  Mr.  Cotton 
Mather,  and  expostulated  with  him  about  the  discourse  at 
Sir  William's,  and  the  Remonstrance  brought  to  the  Coun- 
cil by  Capt.  Greenough  and  Mr.  Coleman  the  Tuesday 
following :  and  hope  'twill  tend  to  promote  Charity  and 
Peace. 

Satterday,  Jan.  10,  169^.  Betty  with  her  Sister  and 
others  were  riding  in  a  sled,  and  the  Indian  who  drove  it 
struck  Betty  with  his  Goad  on  the  side  of  the  head  so  as 
to  make  it  bleed  pretty  much  and  swell,  but  thanks  be 
to  God,  no  danger  now  the  fright  is  over,  and  heals. 

Sabbath,  Jan.  11*.^  At  night  the  House  of  Joshua 
Gardener,  at  Muddy-River,  is  burnt,  and  two  of  his  Chil- 
dren ;   the  Lord  help  us  to  repent  that  we  do  not  likewise 


340  DIARY   OF   SAlVniEL    SEWALL.  [16'9f. 

perish.  Twas  my  turn  to  Watch.  I  sent  Eliakim  ;  the 
north  watch  saw  the  light  of  the  fire. 

Jan.  21,  169f .  Meeting  at  Mr.  Woodmancies  in  Major 
Wallies  house.  A  cry  of  fire  was  made  which  much  dis- 
turb'd  us  in  the  middle  of  Sermon  ;  it  prov'd  to  be  Mr. 
Pole's  Chimney,  which  made  a  great  light.  Snow  on  the 
houses  which  prevented  danger.  Sermon,  Brother  Emons 
read,  was  about  Hungring  and  Thirsting  after  Eighteous- 
ness.  Mr.  Burroughs  on  the  Beatitudes.  Sung  2"^  part 
45.  Psal.  Mr.  Burroughs  referring  to  the  time  of  the  new 
Jerusalem.     Very  Cold. 

Satterday,  Jan.  24,  169^.  Wear  comes  in  ;  came  from 
Cows  Dec""  1 ;  brings  Mr.  Dudley,  Mr.  Brenton  and 
others. 

Jan.  26.  Mr.  Brenton  exhibits  his  Comission,  under  the 
Broad  Seal,  for  exercising  the  Office  of  Collector,  Surveyor 
and  Searcher. 

Jan.  27*.^.  Major  Generall  comes  not,  so  that  had  much 
adoe  to  persuade  Major  Hutchinson  to  hold  the  Court,  it 
seeming  so  odd  for  only  three  freshmen  to  hold  it  where 
seven  or  more  of  the  chiefest  and  ablest  used  to  keep 
Court ;   by  that  means  begun  not  till  past  noon. 

Feb.  2.  This  morn  Capt.  Roger  Clap  dies,  about  86 
years  old.  Capt.  Brown  arrives  at  Marblehead,  came  from 
Plimouth  19*^.^  December. 

Feb.  3.  This  morn,  or  last  night,  Capt.  Johnson  dies 
suddenly,  a  very  old  Man,  between  86  and  90.^  On  Sab- 
bath-day night,  Feb.  1.  Col.  Shrimpton's  Sign,  the  Royal 
Exchange,  is  blown  down,  the  Keeper  of  it  run  away  on 
Satterday. 

Friday,  Feb.  6.     Mr.  Stoughton  and  Dudley  call  here, 


^  Savage,  under  the  name  of  Ireson,  quotes  this  passage  from  Sewall, 
reading  it  as  Captain  Ireson.  Yet,  under  Francis  Johnson,  he  says  that  this 
J.  died  Feb.  3,  1691.  We  may  conclude,  then,  that  the  second  version  was 
the  correct  one,  and  that  the  person  meant  is  Captain  Francis  Johnson,  Df 
Salem  and  Boston.  —  Eds. 


169f.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  341 

which  is  the  first  time  since  his  coming  from  England 
when  I  was  at  home. 

Sabbath,  Feb.  15.  9.  mane,  at  the  desire  of  Anis  Hill, 
I  give  a  Warrant  to  search  for  her  Husband,  Tho.  Hill  the 
Tanner,  who  has  been  missing  ever  since  last  night.  This 
day  is  taken  up  drown'd.  This  morn,  Elisabeth  Dixie 
(now  Pemberton)  is  taken  into  Church  before  the  Sacra- 
ment. 

Feb.  12.  I  watch  with  Mr.  Banister  and  Peter  Wear ; 
Sit  at  James  Meers's  between  while  because  of  the  Rain, 
darkness  and  slippiriness.     Had  a  good  night. 

Tuesday,  Feb.  17.  Went  in  Mr.  Shiprev's  Boat  to  Hog- 
Island,  to  see  what  Wood  the  Tenant  had  cut.  Passage 
has  been  open  about  a  week^  and  Crooked  Lane  a  14 
night. 

Feb.  18.  Mr.  Willard  and  Capt.  Frary  came  to  our 
House. 

March,  3,  169f .  About  noon  Marshall  Generall  Green 
dies  of  the  Fever,  about  noon. 

March  4.     Buried  in  the  evening. 

March  5.  After  Lecture  Mr.  Sam!  Gookin  is  Apointed 
by  the  Governour  and  Council  to  be  Marshal  Generall  till 
the  sitting  of  the  Generall  Court ;  and  the  Oath  adminis- 
tred  to  him  in  open  Court  accordingly. 

March  9,  169f.  Town-Meeting.  Select-Men  chosen, 
Mr.  Jn"  Joylife,  Tho.  Walker,  John  Foster,  Penn  Town- 
send,  Tim2  Prout,  Bozoon  Allen,  Jeremiah  Dumer,  Jn"" 
Marion,  Sen!",  Obadiah  Gill.  Town-Treasurer,  chosen  by 
papers,  Mr.  James  Taylor.  Select-Men  last  year,  now 
passed  by,  are  Capt.  Turell,  James  Hill,  Mr.  Richard 
Middlecot.  Constables,  Joseph  Belknap,  Elizur  Holyoke, 
Joseph  Grant,  William  Rouse,  Jn^  Borland,  Benj.  Bream, 
Samson  Duer,  George  Clark,  Tim-  Wadsworth.  Fin'd 
Jacob  Melyen,  Jn""  Mico,  Jn""  Borland.  Overseers  of  the 
Poor,  Nath!  Williams,  Benj.  Walker,  William  Coleman^ 
Sim.  Stoddard. 


342  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1691. 

March  10*.^  Four  Deputies  for  Boston,  Capt.  Penn 
Townsend,  Capt.  Theophilus  Frary,  Tim-  Prout,  Mr.  Adam 
Winthrop,  27  Votes.  Mr.  Serjeant,  Taylor,  Eyre  had 
several  votes. 

March  10*.^,  169^.  Cousin  Ana  Quinsey  removes  to 
Charlestown  with  her  Children  and  Goods. 

Monday,  March  16.  I  watch,  accompany ed  by  Serj* 
Jn''  Bull,  and  Corp^  Peter  Wier :  had  a  very  comfortable 
night.     Gave  money  to  each  Guard. 

March  19,  169f  Mr.  C.  Mather  preaches  the  Lecture 
from  Mat.  24.,  and  appoint  his  portion  with  the  Hypo- 
crites :  In  his  proem  said,  Totus  mundus  agit  histi'ionem. 
Said  one  sign  of  a  hypocrit  was  for  a  man  to  strain  at  a 
Gnat  and  swallow  a  Camel.  Sign  in  's  Throat  discovered 
him  ;  To  be  zealous  against  an  inocent  fashion,  taken  up 
and  used  by  the  best  of  men  ;  and  yet  make  no  Conscience 
of  being  guilty  of  great  Immoralities.  Tis  supposed  means 
wearing  of  Perriwigs :  said  would  deny  themselves  in  any 
thing  but  parting  with  an  oportunity  to  do  God  service  ; 
that  so  might  not  offend  good  Christians.  Meaning,  I 
suppose,  was  fain  to  wear  a  Perriwig  for  his  health.  I 
expected  not  to  hear  a  vindication  of  Perriwigs  in  Boston 
Pulpit  by  Mr.  Mather ;  however,  not  from  that  Text. 
The  Lord  give  me  a  good  Heart  and  help  to  know,  and 
not  only  to  know  but  also  to  doe  his  Will ;  that  my  Heart 
and  Head  may  be  his. 

March  25,  1691.  I  walk  on  foot  to  Roxbury,  and  visit 
Mr.  Bowls,  who  lies  very  sick  of  the  Small  Pocks,  this 
the  T^  day.  Mr.  Walter  pray'd  with  him  before  I  came 
away. 

March  28,  1691.  A  Post  comes  to  Town  from  New 
York,  and  brings  a  Letter  from  Henry  Sloughter,  Gov- 
ernour  there,  who  arrived  the  19*?  Instant,  on  Thorsday. 
Messenger  tells  us  that  on  Tuesday,  and  Wednesday  be- 
fore, Capt.  Leisler  fired  upon  the  Town,  and  killed  Six 
persons ;  some  went  to  fire  a  great  Gun  at  the  fort,  and 


1691.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  343 

by  accident,  five  persons  were  slain,  of  whom  Ma[tthew.J 
Gregory  was  one.  On  Friday,  the  fort  was  surrendered, 
out  of  which  400  marched.  Col.  Bayard  took  out  of 
Prison,  and  Capt.  Leisler  put  in  his  room,  and  Baj^ard's 
chain  put  on  's  Legg.  Governour  had  six  weeks  passage 
from  Barmudas,  so  that  some  began  to  think  he  might 
have  been  cast  away. 

March  27.  Mr.  Moodey  visited  us  in  the  even,  pray'd 
hard  for  Assurance.  I  was  at  Charlestown  Lecture,  where 
Mr.  Morton  Preach'd  well  about  the  Light  of  God's  Coun- 
tenance desired  by  the  Saints  —  very  thin  Assembly.  Mr. 
Russel  and  I  prov'd  one  Greenland's  Will.  The  L.  hear 
the  Prayer  of  Mr.  Morton  and  Moodey  for  them  and  me. 
Mr.  Moodey  talked  with  me  about  resisting  unto  blood, 
the  Subject  he  was  to  treat  of  next  Sabbath  :  and  wit- 
nesses not  being  slain. 

April  5*.^.  At  night,  about  12.  or  1.  set  sail  in  the  Pru- 
dent Mary  Bark,  Daniel  Lunt  Master,  for  Newbury ;  sail'd 
through  Squam,  so  to  Ipswich  Bar  and  Newbury  Sound. 
Mrs.  Hannah  Moodey  and  Jane  Toppan  with  me  ;  fell 
aground  at  Sandy  Beach  an  hour  by  Sun,  Apr.  6. 

Apr.  9*.^.  Ride  and  visit  Mr.  Simms  and  Ward,  take 
Livery  of  Jn*?  Kent's  Lot. 

Apr.  10*.^     Drive  a  Nail  in  Abiel  Sommerby's  House. 

Apr.  11.  Ride  to  the  Falls  to  visit  Sister  Longfellow ; 
To  Peter  Cheyny's  Mill. 

Apr.  13.  To  Salem,  visit  little  Sam.  Sewall,  my  Name- 
sake. 

Apr.  14.     Home,  find  all  well,  blessed  be  God. 

Apr.  20*.^  1691.  Being  pressed  with  the  sense  of  my 
doing  much  harm  and  little  good,  and  breach  of  Vows  at 
my  return  from  New  York,  this  time  twelvemonth,  that 
is,  not  heedfully  regarding  to  go  at  God's  Call,  I  kept  a 
Fast  to  pray  that  God  would  not  take  away  but  uphold 
me  by  his  free  Spirit.  When  I  came  to  look,  I  found  it 
to  be  the  very  day  of  the  week  and  year  as  much  as  could 


344  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1691. 

be  that  I  set  out  for  New  York,  which  made  me  hope  that 
twas  a  token  for  good  that  God  would  pardon  that  Sin 
and  Sins  since  committed.  Pray'd  for  Sister  Dorothy,  my 
family,  New  England,  that  God  would  fit  me  for  his  good 
pleasure  in  doing  and  suffering.  Treaty  with  Indians  to 
be  the  1^!^  May,  &c. 

Apr.  27.  Went  with  Mr.  Moodey  on  foot  to  the  Ferry, 
and  with  Major  Phillips  accompani'd  him  to  Mystick,  where 
left  him  with  Mr.  Allen  the  Scholar  and  other  Company 
at  the  Widow  Wade's;  as  return'd  saw  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Morton  at  their  Farm.  This  Afternoon  had  Joseph  to 
School  to  Capt.  Townsend's  Mother's,  his  Cousin  Jane 
accompanying  him,  carried  his  Horn-book. 

Apr.  27,  1691.  Din'd  at  Cous.  Dummer's  with  the 
Select-Men. 

May  4.  Eight  Companies  Train  ;  I  went  not  into  field ; 
in  the  evening  Major  and  Captains  came  hether  to  desire 
me  not  to  lay  down  my  place,  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  being 
here,  set  in  with  them.  Mr.  Mather  staid  and  went  to 
prayer  with  us,  and  had  the  very  expressions  us'd  by  the 
Dept.  Governour  when  He  deliver'd  me  my  Coinission ; 
viz :  Let  us  serve  our  Generation  according  to  the  Will  of 
God,  and  afterwards  fall  asleep. 

Satterday,  May  16.  Between  3.  and  4.  P.M.  South- 
Company  is  warned  to  attend  on  the  Election  day,  by 
Solomon  Kainsford,  in  the  Rain. 

May  19,  1691.  mane,  Mr.  Richardson  visits  me.  I  ask 
whether  he  receiv'd  my  Letter  I  sent  him  before  my  going 
for  England.  He  answered,  yes.  I  tried  to  reinforce  it, 
as  to  what  concern'd  his  faithfull  fullfilling  his  Ministry. 
What  effect  twill  have  God  knows. 

May  20*".  Election-day,  very  fair  and  comfortable 
wether.  Led  the  South-Company  into  the  Comon,  there 
pray'd  with  them,  so  march'd  with  Capt.  Hill  to  the  Gov- 
ernour's.  Guard  consisted  of  two  Files  on  each  Flank, 
&c  ;  had  but  four  Drums,  made  extream  bad  Volleys  at 


1691.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  345 

night.  After  being  treated  by  the  Governour,  the  122. 
Psalm  was  sung,  Mr.  Allen  got  me  to  set  the  Tune,  which 
was  Windsor ;  it  brought  to  mind  the  Psalm  sung  in  that 
very  Room  in  1686,  which  Mr.  Nowell  read.  Note.  Throw 
w^hat  heartlessness  I  scarce  know,  but  I  went  not  for  Mr. 
Morton  to  bring  him  to  the  Meetinghouse,  nor  to  fetch 
him  from  Mr.  Eyre's  to  diner,  which  now  I  look  upon  it, 
troubles  me  much.  Mr.  Hutchinson  and  Addington  not 
sworn  this  day. 

May  21.  Dept.  Governour,  Major  Generall  and  I  went 
to  speak  to  Mr.  Stoughton,  desiring  him  to  accept  of  the 
place  he  is  called  to.  I  bought  two  answers  of  Church  of 
England  Address  of  Mr.  Wilkin,  and  gave  Mr.  Stoughton 
one.  Major  Pike,  my  self,  Matthew  Jn^'son,  Sam!  Partrigg, 
and  Joseph,  are  a  Committee  to  consider  how  Money  may 
be  got  in  for  present  Exigencies.  Just  as  was  at  our  Gate 
with  them  and  a  crowd  of  other  people,  about  7.  aclock, 
Ben.  Harris  comes  to  me,  and  tells  that  Capt.  Leisler  and 
Mr.  Millburn  were  executed  last  Satterday,  that  Mr.  Fan- 
vil  brought  the  news  :  whereas  most  were  pleasing  them- 
selves that  there  was  like  to  be  no  such  thing,  and  that 
Gov!"  Sloughter  begun  to  think  him  an  honest  man  and 
entertain  him  at  his  Table. 

May  29*.^  Mr.  Addington  and  I  wait  on  Mr.  Stoughton 
at  Dorchester. 

May  30*.^     Mr.  Stoughton  takes  his  Oath. 

June  1.  Mr.  Taylor,  Mr.  Pierpont  and  Mr.  Walter  dine 
with  me ;  Mr.  Walter  tells  me  of  a  small  Paraphrase  of 
Mr.  Eliot's  upon  Ezek.  37.,  written  about  half  a  year 
before  his  death. 

June  2*?  1691.  Mr.  Edward  Taylor  puts  his  Son  James 
to  Mr.  Steward,  Shopkeeper  of  Ipswich,  for  Seven  years, 
to  serve  him  as  an  Aprentice,  Term  to  begin  the  first  of 
July  next.  Mr.  Taylor  desires  me  to  represent  himself  in 
making  the  Indenture,  if  Mr.  Steward  desire  the  accom- 
plishment of  it  befor  He  comes  down  again. 


346  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1691. 

June  3,  1691.  Sister  Sewall  of  Salem  comes  to  see  us ; 
5*",  Brother  comes,  tells  me  Ezekiel  Northend  is  like  to  go 
to  Sister  Dorothy  again.     6*^,  goe  home. 

June  10*!"  1691.  I  goe  to  Salem,  visit  Mr.  Higginson, 
dine  with  Him,  after  his  Lecture  ;  view  the  fortifications. 

June  16*K  Brother  sends  me  word  of  the  arrival  of  Jn*^ 
Ingersoll,  well  laden  with  good  Salt.  Sister  Dorothy's 
being  come  thether  the  night  before,  intends  hether 
shortly. 

June  17.  Fast  at  the  Townhouse,  Magistrates,  Minis- 
ters :  Mr.  Hale,  Bayly,  Brinsmead,  Torrey,  Moodey,  Wil- 
lard  pray,  Mr.  Lee  preaches.  Mr.  Fisk,  Thacher,  Gookin, 
Jn°  Danforth  sup  here. 

June  19*.^  1691.  The  Reverend  Mr.  John  Wilson,  Pas- 
tor of  the  Church  at  Medfield,  came  before  me,  and  seal'd 
and  published  a  certain  Writing  to  be  his  last  Will  and 
Testament,  to  which  accordingly  I  subscribed  my  name  in 
the  place  of  the  Witnesses ;  Bromfield,  Clark,  Sharp  having 
subscribed  before. 

Monday,  June  22.  Sam.  Topan  brings  Sister  Dorothy 
to  Town.  Tom.  Hitchborn's  Son  drowned  this  day.  I 
watch  at  night  in  the  Ensign's  turn  with  Serj^  Bull  and 
Corp!  Weare. 

June  29.  Went  to  the  Island,  had  my  Daughters  Hanah 
and  Elisabeth  with  me.  Went  to  see  about  building  a 
room  for  Goodw.  Balchar  to  doe  her  work  in.  Cornelius 
Creek  and  Jn""  Wells  row'd  us  in  Mr.  Shiprevs  Boat.  Yes- 
terday Rainsford  arriv'd  with  17  Men  that  remained  alive 
on  Antis  Coti  [Anticosti]  ;  4  dead  of  Small  Pocks  since 
the  Longboat's  coming.  They  saw  Ten  Sail  of  Frenchmen 
standing  for  Canada  River,  many  of  them  suppos'd  to  be. 
of  3.  and  2  hundred  Tuns. 

July  20.  Much  Lightening  in  a  Cloud  toward  the  Cas- 
tle, which  many  observ'd  and  talk'd  of. 

Wednesday,  July  22.  Brought  the  Major  Generall, 
going  to  Jamaica,  and  under  the  Oak  over  against  the 


1G91.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  347 

Schoolhouse  took  leave.  Is  at  last  gon  to  New  London 
to  settle  his  affairs ;  which  Journey  he  has  a  very  long 
time  talk'd  of. 

Wednesday,  Augt.  5^.^  The  death  of  Gov''  Sloughteu  is 
talk'd  of  through  the  Town.  News  came  last  night  or  this 
morning.  Capt.  Scottow  told  it  here  as  was  at  Breakfast 
with  Mr.  Torrey  and  me.     Cousin  David  Hobart  here. 

Thorsday,  Augt.  6.  Yery  great  Thunder  and  Lighten- 
ing last  night  between  1.  and  4.  past  midnight,  from  the 
Southward  first,  and  then  from  the  Northward.  Hear 
already  that  a  Barn  at  Maiden  is  burnt  by  it. 

Augt.  11,  1691.  Sentenc'd  Francis  Allen  and  two 
Frenchmen  :  admonish'd  Humfry  Johnson  of  Hingham 
and  his  wife  for  living  apart.  Mr.  Pay  son  din'd  with  us. 
Adjourn'd  to  this  day  14  night,  1.  P.M. 

August  14.  Went  to  Charlestown-Lecture,  from  thence 
walk'd  to  Cambridge  with  Mr.  Addington  to  visit  the 
Deputy  Governour,  who  has  kept  his  Bed  these  three 
days,  having  an  inward  Fever.  Visited  the  Colledge  and 
so  came  from  thence  about  Sunset  in  the  Shadow  of  the 
Evening.  Mr.  Moodey  preached  the  Lecture  from  Acts 
16.  29,  30.  Shew'd  that  such  an  anxious  Speedy  Enquiry 
after  Salvation,  was  a  good  step  towards  it. 

Augt.  19,  1691.  Sent  Jane  to  Newbury  by  Tim^  Bur- 
benk,  to  help  tend  her  Brother  Sam.  Toppan,  who  is  there 
taken  ill  of  the  Small  Pocks. 

Augt.  23,  1691.  Sabbath-day,  about  3  P.M.  The  Bev? 
Mr.  John  Wilson  of  Meadfield  dies,  being  70.  years  of  age 
wanting  a  moneth.  vid.  June  19^.^ 

Augt.  28.  Friday.  Fast  at  Charlestown,  where  I  am. 
After  my  coming  home  when  'tis  almost  dark,  Jane  Top- 
pan  comes  in  from  Newbury  and  brings  the  very  sorrow- 
full  News  of  the  death  of  Cous.  Sam.  Toppan  last  Tuesday 
night  about  nine  of  the  Clock  ;  buried  the  Wednesday 
night  following,  because  of  the  Heat.  No  Minister  with 
him  :  Mr.  Shove  prayd  not  with  him  at  all,  went  not  to 


348  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1691 

him  till  was  just  dying  :  suppose  might  be  afraid  of  's 
school.  Sam.  bewail' d  his  not  minding  Spiritual  things 
more,  and  that  times  were  such  as  that  things  of  that 
nature  were  scoff'd  at.  About  Monday  night  last  as  Jo- 
seph was  going  into  Cradle,  He  said.  News  from  Heaven, 
the  French  were  come,  and  mention'd  Canada.  No  body 
has  been  tampering  with  him  as  T  could  learn.  The  Lord 
help  us  to  repent  that  we  may  not  perish,  as  probably 
Eliakim  and  those  with  him  have  done  ;  and  now  poor 
Cousin  Sam. 

Sept.  1,  1691.  Went  to  a  Fast  at  Dorchester,  Mr.  Dan- 
forth  pray'd  and  preach'd.  Mr.  Moodey  pray'd  in  the 
Afternoon,  Mr.  Torrey  preach'd,  pray'd,  had  a  comfortable 
day.  Before  came  home,  supp'd  at  Mr.  Stoughton's  in 
company  of  Mr.  Danforth  and  wife,  Mrs.  Hanah  Moodey, 
Mr.  Edw.  Rawson,  Mr.  Moodey,  Torrey,  Bondet,  Mr.  Sam. 
Moodey. 

Sept.  2,  1691.  Went  with  Mr.  Moodey  and  visited  the 
Dept.  Governour,  Mr.  Stoughton  and  Russel  came  in.  Mr. 
Moodey  pray'd.  Dame  Mitchelson  present,  earnestly  de- 
siring prayers.  Mrs.  Danforth  tells  me  that  Goodw.  Lux- 
ford  was  buried  yesterday,  died  of  the  Fever  after  four 
years  Torment  or  more,  of  a  Chronical  Illness.  Deacon 
Cooper  died  a  little  while  agon,  a  very  good  Man. 

Sept.  5.  I  went  over  the  water  with  Sam.  Haugh  to 
his  farm  to  view  the  Carpenters  Work. 

Sept.  14,  1691.  Mr.  Parker  comes  to  me  by  my  desire  ; 
tells  me  there  was  no  Rigging  on  the  Mast  he  saw ;  at  the 
[?]  he  called  and  said,  did  think  it  was  Condey's  Mast, 
there  was  no  Rigging  on  it :  Condey  is  his  Sister's  Son. 
Saith  there  is  now  a  report  from  Barbados  that  Condey  is 
cast  away  on  Cuba,  and  all  the  men  safe.     Utinam. 

Sept.  14,  1691.  Nine  Companys  Train,  Capt.  Smith  of 
Winisimet  making  one.  The  Troop  also  in  Arms  led  by 
Lieut.  Swift,  Capt.  Eliot  being  sick  of  the  Fever  and  Ague. 
South  Company  chose  two  Corporals;  Tho  Banister  whc 


1691.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  d49 

had  nineteen  Votes,  and  Thomas  Walker  jun""  who  had 
Twenty  Votes.  They  who  came  next,  were  Tho.  Walhs, 
who  had  fifteen  votes,  and  John  Mason,  who  had  Nine. 
By  reason  of  Capt.  Smith,  drew  into  Three  Divisions : 
South  Company,  Major  Savage  and  Smith  made  one : 
Horse  charg'd  each  Division  twice  or  thrice,  and  so 
drew  off. 

Din'd  at  Mrs.  Mans;  had  the  Governour,  Mr.  Willard, 
Baylj',  Capt.  Dumer. 

After  the  Training  Edward  Cowell  was  buried  ;  died  at 
Hingham ;  Corps  brought  hether  by  water.  Mr.  Baily  on 
a  White  Horse  prayd  at  finishing  the  Exercise.  Thanked 
God  that  no  evil  accident  had  been  this  day. 

Sept.  17*^  1691.  Capt.  Scottow's  Sappho  tells  me  that 
Sister  Dorothy  was  married  last  Wednesday  sennight  and 
was  gon  to  Rowley. 

Sept.  25*!^  1691.  Elisabeth  Clements  of  Havarill  is  tried 
for  murdering  her  two  female  bastard  children. 

Sept.  26.  She  is  brought  in  guilty  by  the  Jury,  Mr. 
Crisp  Foreman.  Mr.  Stoughton  was  not  in  Court  on  Friday 
afternoon  when  the  Trial  was ;  and  went  off  the  Bench  on 
Satterday  morn  when  the  Jury  were  call'd  to  give  in  their 
verdict.  Persons  present  were,  Gov'^,  Russel,  Johnson, 
Hathorn,  Hutchinson,  Sewall,  Addington,  Phillips. 

Friday,  Oct.  9.  Mr.  Baily  preaches  the  Lecture  at 
Charlestown ;  After  Lecture  Mr.  Morton  dines  in  his  new 
House,  t)ne  Room  being  clos'd.  Were  at  Table,  Mr.  Mor- 
ton and  Mrs.,  My  Lady  Phips,  Mr.  Moodey  and  Mrs.,  Mr. 
Allen,  Mr.  Baily,  little  Jn''  Bailey. 

Monday,  Oct.  12*1^,  1691.  Eight  Companys  Train  ;  ex- 
ercise single  in  the  morn.  I  dine  in  the  late  Mr.  Thacher's 
Study,  have  there  Major  Richards,  Major  Generall  Win- 
throp,  Mr.  Addington,  Mr.  Willard,  Capt.  Scottow,  Mr. 
Waldron.  It  seems  Major  Richards  serv'd  his  time  in  the 
House,  to  Major  Gibbons.  Capt.  Scottow  told  us  that  one 
of  his  Squadrons  did  now  make  two  Captain's  Companies. 


350  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1691. 

Exercise  Regimentally  in  the  Afternoon ;  when  concluded, 
Mr.  Mather  prayd. 

Oct.  16.  Ordered  the  Clark  to  warn  the  Officers  to 
meet  me  at  Serg*  Bull's.  After  the  meeting  at  Mr.  Wil- 
lards  went  thether.  Serjf  Bull,  Eainsford,  Odlin ;  Corp^ 
Wheeler,  Weare,  Banister,  Jn''  and  Isaac  Marion  there. 
I  acquainted  them  with  my  inability  to  serve  longer  as  a 
Captain,  and  my  desire  the  Company  might  be  setled. 

This  day  a  Dutchman  comes  in  with  a  French  Prize 
taken  in  Lat.  25.  to  the  Eastward  of  Barmudas,  bound  for 
Brest.  Elisa.  Emerson  was  brought  to  the  Bar  to  be  sen- 
tenc'd,  she  deliverd  a  Petition  to  the  General  Court,  so 
she  was  sent  back  to  Prison  again. 

Satterday,  Oct.  18.  P.M.  Had  my  four  children  to  Mr. 
Robert  Saunderson  to  receive  his  Blessing  as  he  lay  on  his 
Bed ;  hath  not  been  at  Meeting  these  two  Sabbath-days ; 
his  Right  Eye  is  grieved  with  a  Rheum,  &c. 

Oct.  19,  1691.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  visits  me  ;  we  meet 
Mr.  Willard,  and  He  comes  in  also.  Talk  of  parting.  This 
day  news  is  brought  of  Capt.  Alden's  being  Taken  by  a 
French  Frigot  at  St.  John's,  Mr.  Nelson  candied  to  Quibeck ;  ^ 
Col.  Tyng  and  Mr.  Jn^  Alden  jun?"  kept  Prisoners  till  Ar- 
ticles made  for  Capt.  Alden's  coming  home  be  fullfill'd. 
There  is  Loss  to  Boston  Merchants  about  18.000  pounds  ; 


^  There  will  be  found  in  Hutchinson's  History,  T.  378,  an  interesting  note 
in  regard  to  Xelson.  He  was  a  relative  of  Sir  Thomas  Temple,  and  was  an 
ardent  patriot.  He  brought  to  Boston  the  news  of  the  landing  of  the  Prince 
of  Orange,  and  was  one  of  the  leaders  in  the  revolt  against  Andros. 

After  his  capture,  he  ran  great  risks  in  order  to  send  information  home 
concerning  the  French  plans.  Hutchinson  prints  a  letter,  saying  that  it 
should  "  be  made  public,  to  do  honor  to  the  memory  of  Nelson."  This  letter 
of  Aug.  26,  1692,  was  sent  by  two  Frenchmen,  whom  he  bribed.  They  were 
taken  afterguards,  and  his  share  in  the  affair  revealed.  He  was  sent  to  France, 
and  strict!}-  confined  for  two  years.  Afterwards,  he  was  sent  to  England  on 
parole;  and;  contrary  to  the  orders  of  King  William,  he  returned  to  France 
to  surrender  himself.  Again  released,  he  was  brought  into  trouble  in  Eng- 
land for  his  disobedience.  Eventually  he  reached  New  England,  after  ten 
or  eleven  years'  absence.  —  Eds. 


1691.]  DIAEY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  351 

besides  what  prejudice  may  come  by  the  IntelUgence  the 
French  may  extort  from  our  Men.  This  day  the  Marshal 
General  tells  me  that  above  fifty  Sheep  were  kill'd  at 
Cambrido;e  last  ni^rht,  havino;  their  Throats  bitten,  and 
blood  suck'd. 

Thorsday,  Oct.  22.  Mr.  Nehemiah  Walter  marries  Mrs. 
Sarah  Mather  before  John  Phillips,  Esqr. 

Sabbath,  Oct.  25.  Capt.  Frary's  voice  failing  him  m 
his  own  Essay,  by  reason  of  his  Palsie,  he  calls  to  me  to 
set  the  Tune,  which  accordingly  I  doe;  17,  18,  19,  20, 
verses  68*.^  Psalm,  Windsor  Tune ;  After  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per, 6,  7,  8,  9,  verses  16*!*  Low-Dutch.  P.M.  2^  staves  of 
141.  Ps.  St.  Davids,  Jehova,  I  upon  Thee-  call.  After 
Evening  Exercise,  2^.  part  84*^  Ps.  Litchfield ;  I  knew  not 
that  had  the  Tune  till  got  to  the  2"!  Line,  being  somewhat 
surprized,  though  design'd  that  Tune.  I  would  have  as- 
sisted Capt.  Frary  but  scarce  knew  what  Tune  he  design'd ; 
and  the  Tune  I  guess' d  at,  was  in  so  high  a  Key  that  I 
could  not  reach  it. 

Sabbath,  Oct.  25,  1691.  Boston,  N.  E.  I  pray'd  this 
morn  that  God  would  give  me  a  pardon  of  my  Sins  under 
the  Broad  Seal  of  Heaven ;  and  through  God's  goodness 
have  receiv'd  some  Refreshment  and  Light ;  I  hope  I  doe 
thirst  after  Christ ;  and  sensible  of  my  own  folly  and 
Loathsomness  that  I  value  Him  no  more,  and  am  so  back- 
ward to  be  married  by  Him. 

Wednesday,  Oct.  28,  1691.  My  wife  is  brought  to  Bed 
of  a  Daughter  about  8.  in  the  morning ;  Elisabeth  Weeden, 
Midwife.     Rose  about  4.  m. 

Sabbath.  Novemb^  1.  A  very  pleasant  day.  Mr.  Wil- 
lard  baptise th  my  Daughter  Mary,  was  enlarged  in  Prayer, 
none  else  baptised.  Capt.  Eliot  not  being  abroad,  1  set  the 
Tune  again ;  Martyr's,  St.  Davids,  Oxford. 

Mrs.  Richards  dies  this  day. 

Monday,  Nov.  2.  I  ride  to  New  Cambridge  to  Mr.  Neh. 
Hobart's  to  see  his  Dwelling,  and  prepare  a  place  for  Sam. 


352  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1691 

Visit  Mrs.  Oakes  as  I  come  home,  at  her  Cousin  Chaney's. 
Visit  Mr.  Fitch  at  Mr.  Bailyes.     Mr.  Dudley. 

Nov.  3,  1691.  Mr.  James  Lloyd  marry es  Mrs.  Rebecka 
Leverett. 

Wednesday,  Nov.  4,  1691.  Went  to  the  Funeral  of 
Mrs.  Richards.  Mr.  Stoughton,  Major  General  Winthrop, 
Mr.  Russel,  Sewall,  Addington,  Phillips,  Bearers.  Was  put 
in  a  new  Tomb  in  the  North-burying  Place.  Bearers  had 
Scarvs  and  Rings.  Saw  not  Mr.  Dudley  there.  Govern- 
our  went  thether  on  foot  in  the  wet  and  dirt,  and  home 
again.  Much  Rain  fell  last  night  and  this  morning  ;  fair 
wether  at  the  Funeral.  Sir  Robert  Robison  there.  No 
Minister  out  of  Town  that  I  saw,  save  Mr.  Morton.  Mr. 
Moodey  at  Portsmouth. 

Yesterday  had  the  News  that  Mr.  Hatches  Sloop,  bur- 
thened  40.  Tuns,  was  run  away  with  by  Rogues  we  heard 
were  drownd.  Sloop  was  richly  laden,  which  makes  the 
stroke  the  greater,  especially  to  Hatch,  who  was  removing 
to  dwell  at  Conecticut. 

Satterday,  Nov.  7^^  1691.  Mr.  Shove  sets  out  for  Marl- 
borough in  his  way  to  Simsbury,  Joseph  Strickland  and 
others  accompanying  him. 

Sabbath,  Nov.  8.  Is  a  Contribution  for  the  Fronteer 
Towns;  Capt.  Eliot,  though  abroad  on  the  Day  of  the 
Thanksgiving,  is  now  ill  again,  of  the  bloody  Flux,  it 
seems  ;  I  set  the  Tune  ;  York,  Windsor,  119*.^  Ps.,  on  the 
two  last  Staves  of  the  34^^  Psalm. 

Nov.  10, 1691.  Council  of  Churches  meet  at  Lin.  From 
Boston,  Mr.  Willard,  Sewall,  Frary  ;  Allen,  Hutchinson, 
Bridgham ;  Mather,  Foster,  Keech :  Maiden,  Wiggles- 
worth,  Sprague,  Green  ;  Salem,  Noyes,  Hathorn,  Corwin, 
Gardener,  Lindon.  Had  much  adoe  to  prevail  with  the 
Church  to  own  us  as  a  Council,  but  did  do  it  at  last; 
heard  what  was  to  be  said,  drew  up  our  Advice  by  Mr. 
Cotton  Mather ;  wherein  all  parties  blamed  ;  They  ac- 
cepted of  it  and  thank'd  us  heartily  for  our  visiting  them. 


1691. J  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  353 

Bell  was  rung  both  times  before  went  into  Meetinghouse. 
Mr.  Wio-o-lesworth  Moderator. 

Thorsday,  Nov.  19"/  1691.  Sam.  goes  to  Cambridge 
wdth  Mr.  Henry  Newman,  w^ho  is  to  carry  him  to  morrow 
Nov.  20.  to  Mr.  Neh.  Hobart's  at  New^  Cambridge. 

Nov.  18*.!'.  Last  night  the  Governour  was  taken  with 
the  Stone,  so  the  Council  meet  at  his  House ;  He  was  at 
the  Town-house  yesterday  but  then  the  Wether  hinder' d 
the  Council's  meeting. 

Tuesday,  Dec.  1,  1691.  Brother  W"?  Moodey  brings 
Sister  Gerrish  to  see  us  ;  she  is  great  with  child,  looks  to 
ly  in  the  latter  end  of  February,  with  her  eighth. 

Dec.  2.  Yery  stormy  day  of  Snow  and  Rain  ;  by  the 
fire  I  speak  earnestly  to  Sister  to  make  sure  of  an  Interest 
in  Christ,  being  alone. 

Friday,  Dec.  4.  Brother  Moodey  and  Sister  Gerrish 
take  their  journey  homeward,  intend  to  call  at  Salem, 
notwithstanding  the  Small  Pocks. 

Monday,  Dec.  7*^  I  ride  to  New-Cambridge  to  see 
Sam.  He  could  hardly  speak  to  me,  his  affections  were 
so  mov'd,  having  not  seen  me  for  above  a  fortnight ;  his 
Cough  is  still  very  bad,  much  increas'd  by  his  going  to 
Cambrido-e  on  foot  in  the  nig;ht.  Mr.  Hobart  not  at  home. 
Mr.  Lawson  was  by  accident  there,  and  so  had  the  benefit 
of  his  Company  home.  Got  well  home  before  6.  aclock, 
set  out  from  home  after  12.  Staid  there  about  1|-  hour. 
Laus  Deo. 

Monday,  Dec.  21,  1691.  I  went  with  Mr.  Addington 
and  his  wife  to  Muddy-River,  to  the  House  of  Joshua 
Gardener,  where  came  Mr.  Walter  and  his  wife,  Mr.  Den- 
ison  and  wife.  Sir  Ruggles  and  Mrs.  Weld  the  Mother. 
Had  a  very  good  Diner.  Mr.  Walter  crav'd  a  Blessing, 
Mr.  Denison  return'd  Thanks,  mentioning  the  sad  Provi- 
dence that  befell  them  last  January,  and  God's  present 
smiles  in  their  new  House  and  children ;  Mr.  Walter 
pray'd  that  God  w^ould  double  their  Mercies.     Sung  the 

23 


354  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1691. 

23.  Ps.  and  18*^  v.  51.  Mr.  Walter  desired  me  to  set  the 
Tune,  which  I  did  ;  St.  David's.  Twas  so  late  before  Mrs. 
Weld  came,  that  got  home  by  Moon-Light.  Wife  was 
invited,  but  went  not  by  reason  of  the  Cold.  Was  glad  of 
this  opportunity  to  converse  with  Mr.  Walter,  Denison  and 
their  wives.  The  Lord  give  me  to  believe  on  his  Son,  and 
fit  me  for  His  Entertainment  in  Heaven. 

December  25,  1691.  General  Court  passes  an  order  for 
prohibiting  Frenchmen  being  in  the  Seaports  or  Frontier 
Towns,  except  by  License  from  the  Governour  and  Council ; 
and  pass  an  order  for  Laying  a  Duty  on  things  exported 
and  imported,  to  defray  the  charge  of  a  Guard-Ship.  Ad- 
journ to  the  8*:l'  of  March. 

The  marriage  of  Haiia  Owen  with  her  Husband's  Brother, 
IS  declar'd  null  by  the  Court  of  Assistants.  She  coinanded 
not  to  entertain  him  ;  enjoin'd  to  make  a  Confession  at 
Braintrey  before  the  Congregation  on  Lecture  day,  or 
Sabbath,  pay  Fees  of  Court  and  prison,  &c.  and  to  be 
dismiss'd.     Governour  not  abroad  to  day. 

Mr.  Moodey  takes  his  journey  towards  Portsmouth  this 
day.  Cold  and  Snowy.  Shops  open  and  business  carried 
on  as  at  other  times. 

January,  2,  169|^.     Tim-  Dwight  dies  about  10.  mane. 

Boston  in  N.  E.  January  2,  16 9|-.  I  had  been  at  Mrs. 
Collucott's,  and  coming  home  between  12.  and  1.  I  call'd 
to  see  Tim-  Dwight,  and  as  I  stept  into  the  Room,  saw 
him  laid  out  under  the  sheet. 

Monday,  Jan.  4^^  Went  to  the  Funeral  of  Tim.  Dwight. 
Cous.  Dumer,  Capt.  Jn""  Walley,  Capt.  Wing,  Rowse,  Tho. 
Savage,  Goldsmith,  Rob*  Saunderson,  Bearers.  Mr.  Joyliff 
and  I  went  next  the  Relations  ;  by  the  Dock-head  Mr. 
Willard  struck  in  :  no  Minister  before  ;  buried  at  the  new 
burying  place  ;  somthing  troublesom  going,  by  reason  of 
the  great  Snow  fell  yesterday.  38  years  old.  Lord  grant 
that  I  may  be  ready,  when  the  Cry  shall  be,  Behold,  the 
Bridegroom  cometh. 


169J.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  355 

Tuesday,  Jan.  12,  169 J.  Major  Hutchinson  and  I  visit 
Major  Johnson,  Mr.  Hez.  Usher  and  Sol.  Phips  in  Com- 
pany. He  is  very  glad  to  see  us.  Call'd  at  Betty  Gar- 
dener's as  came  back.  This  week's  Eain  and  Sun  have 
thaw'd  the  ways  as  if  it  were  March.  Major  Johnson  has 
kept  house  about  18  weeks.  Takes  his  disease  to  be  the 
burning  Ague  mentioned  in  the  Scripture.  This  night 
[blank]  Hamlen,  formerly  Plats,  before  that,  Crabtree,  a 
middle-aged  woman,^  through  some  displeasure  at  her  Son 
whom  she  beat,  sat  not  down  to  Supper  with  her  Husband 
and  a  Stranger  at  Table :  when  they  had  done,  she  took 
away,  and  in  the  Koom  where  she  set  it,  took  a  piece  of 
grisly  meat  of  a  Shoulder  of  Mutton  into  her  mouth  Avhich 
got  into  the  top  of  the  Larynx  and  stopt  it  fast,  so  she  was 
presently  choak'd.  Tho.  Pemberton  and  others  found  it 
so  when  they  opened  her  Throat.  She  gave  a  stamp  with 
her  foot  and  put  her  finger  in  her  mouth:  but  Pemberton 
not  at  home,  and  di'd  immediately.  What  need  have  all 
to  Acknowledge  God  in  whose  Hand  their  breath  is,  &c. 
Sam.  Worden,  and  another  woman,  die  the  same  night, 
and  widow  Oliver  de  Sweet,  the  next  day.  Attonitus 
tamen  est,  ingens,  discrimine  parvo  comitti  potuisse  nefas. 
[Ovid,  Met.,  vii.  426.]     1  Cor.  10.  31. 

Jan.  19*.^  169^.    Visited  Mrs.  Pool,  who  lies  sick  on  bed, 

1  Of  this  much-married  person  we  find  nothing  definite.  There  was  a 
John  Crabtree,  of  Boston,  joiner,  who  was  a  very  early  settler  here,  and  who 
died  in  1656.  His  widow,  Alice,  married  Joshua  Hewes.  He  had  a  son,  John 
Crabtree,  who  was  of  Braintree,  and  sold  (Suff.  Deeds,  lib.  21,  f.  517)  one 
cow-common  in  Boston  and  lands  at  Muddy  River  granted  to  his  father. 
The  Boston  Tax  List  of  1674  mentions  a  Benjamin  Crabtree,  and  a  Francis 
Crabtree  is  mentioned  in  a  paper  in  the  Probate  OlBBce. 

The  Platts  reference  is  more  promising.  Thomas  Platts,  of  Boston, 
owner  of  land  on  Common,  now  Tremont  Street,  in  his  will,  dated  Feb.  4, 
1685-86,  mentions  wife,  Esther,  and  children,  Thomas,  Ann,  Edith,  and 
Hannah.  He  was  married  as  early  as  March  10,  167.Q-80.  (Suff.  Deeds, 
lib.  20,  f.  317;  lib.  32,  f.  223.) 

As  to  Hamblen  or  Hamlin,  we  find  Erecte  Hamlin  in  the  Boston  Tax  List 
of  1687-88,  and  Thomas  Hamblen  in  1688  and  1691.  But  we  have  not  found 
mention  of  the  wife  of  either.  —  Eds. 


356  DIARY  OF  SAMUEL  SEWALL.  [169^. 

and  has  been  there  this  Moneth ;  gave  her  one  of  Mr. 
Willard's  Cordials  ;  was  very  glad  to  see  me.  Speaking 
about  Widow  Hamlen,  she  mention'd  1  Cor.  10.  31.  Mrs. 
Elisa.  Pool  has  buried  five  Sisters,  Ehot,  Gard,  Sanford, 
Brown,  Burton.     Sanford,  Gard,  have  left  no  Children.-^ 

Jan.  24*.^  16 9|-.  GovT  Bradstreet  comes  to  Meeting  this 
Afternoon,  which  as  I  remember  has  not  done  in  January 
till  now. 

Tuesday,  Jan.  26, 169|-.  News  comes  to  Town  by  Kobin 
Orchard,  of  Dolberry's  being  arrived  at  Cape  Cod  ;  Sir 
William  Phips  made  Governour  of  the  Province  of  New 
England.^  Foy  (in  whom  went  Mr.  Lee)  taken  into 
France  ;  Quelch  and  Bant  also.  Six  weeks  passage  from 
Plimouth.  This  day,  almost  at  the  same  Time,  news  was 
brought  of  an  Attack  made  by  the  Indians  on  York. 

Jan.  25, 169^.  I  asked  Mr.Willard  at  Mr.  Eyre's  whether 
the  Times  would  allow  one  to  build  an  house  ;  answer'd,  I 
wonder  you  have  contented  your  selvs  so  long  without 
one  ;  but  I  little  thought  what  was  acted  that  day  at  York. 
Got  Mr.  Eyre  to  come  home  with  me  about  8.  at  night  to 
advise  me. 

Feb.  8,  169|-.  Gillam  arrives,  and  a  Copy  of  the  New 
Charter  comes  to  Mr.  Secretaries  hand,  about  which  there 
is  much  discourse. 

Feb.  12,  16 9|^.  Joshua  Atwater  dies,  falling  off  the 
outward  Wharf;  he  was  drowned  about  2.  or  3.  in  the 
morning,  intangled  in  the  wood  as  the  Jury  brought  it 


1  Concerning  this  lady  and  her  sisters  Savage  gives  us  some  information. 
He  says  of  Governor  William  Brenton,  of  Rhode  Island,  that  among  his 
children  were  Mehitable,  wife  of  Joseph  Brown,  of  Charlestown;  Elizabeth, 
wife  of  John  Pool,  of  Boston;  Sarah,  wife  of  Rev.  Joseph  Eliot,  of  Guilford; 
Abigail,  wife  of  Stephen  Burton,  of  Bristol;  Martha,  wife  of  John  Card  (the 
Gard  of  our  text)  ;  and  Mary,  wife  of  Peleg  Sanford.  —  Eds. 

2  The  nomination  of  Sir  William  Phips  was  undoubtedly  mainly  due  to 
Increase  Mather,  as  Cotton  Mather  states  impliedly  in  his  Life  of  Phips.  It 
is  there  called  the  work  of  the  agents,  Sir  Henry  Ashurst  and  I.  Mather,  but 
no  one  in  that  generation  doubted  to  whom  the  suggestion  was  due.  —  Eds. 


169^.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  357 

in  ;  was  going  on  board  the  Sloop  Mary.  Was  excom- 
municated. 

Feb.  19,  169|^.  Major  Hutchinson  begins  his  journey 
Eastward  against  the  Enemy.  Mr.  Houghton,  Major 
General,  Mr.  Addington  and  I  brought  him  going  to  the 
Ferry,  went  not  over,  the  wind  was  so  high.  The  Horse 
he  intended  to  have  being  lame,  he  took  mine. 

Feb.  26,  16 9|^.  News  comes  to  Town  of  Wear's  Arrival 
last  night  at  Marblehead.  Jn^  Hayward  brings  me  a  Letter 
and  news  of  it,  as  were  at  Breakfast  with  Unkle  Quinsey, 
Mr.  Weld  and  Brother  Stephen.  Mrs.  Maccarta  goes  to 
her  Husband,  ill  of  the  Gout.  Mr.  Whittingham  got  to 
Town  by  5.  mane  and  brought  the  News. 

Satterday,  Feb.  27.  Between  4.  and  5.  mane,  we  are 
startled  at  the  roaring  of  a  Beast,  which  I  conjectur'd  to 
be  an  Ox  broken  loose  from  a  Butcher,  runing  along  the 
street,  but  proved  to  be  our  own  Cow  bitten  by  a  dog,  so 
that  were  forc'd  to  kill  her ;  though  calved  but  Jan.  4*^ 
and  gives  plenty  of  Milk.  Hapy  are  they,  who  have  God 
for  their  Spring  and  Brest  of  Suplies.  Exceeding  high 
wind  this  day  at  North  East. 

Sabbath,  Feb.  28.  Day  is  so  Stormy  that  Governour 
went  not  to  Meeting.     Madam  Bradstreet  not  well. 

March  11*.*^  1691.  Mrs.  Townsend,  wife  of  Capt.  Pen 
Townsend,  died  this  morn,  about  2  aclock;  by  which 
means  Mr.  Addington  came  to  the  Governour  and  Assist- 
ants and  ask'd  excuse  as  to  his  attendance  at  Court,  and 
desir'd  that  I  might  supply  his  place.  Made  an  order  as  to 
Joseph  Mason,  Constable,  Watertown.  Adjourned  to  the 
last  Tuesday  in  x\pril,  at  one  P.M.  Capt.  Wincoll  brought 
us  the  Jury's  verdict  about  Baker  Nason's  killing  his  elder 
Brother  Jonathan  Nathan  \_sic\  with  his  Oar  in  the  Canoe 
in  Pascataquer  Eiver :  and  asks  advice  whether  to  keep 
him  there,  or  send  him  to  Boston-Prison.  .Seems  to  have 
done  it  in  's  own  defence  March  1.  169^. 

Monday,  March  14^?  169|^.     Mrs.  Sarah  Townsend  bur- 


358  DIARY  OF  SAMUEL  SEWALL.  [1^92. 

ied  between  5.  and  6.  Bearers,  Sewall,  Dumer,  Bromfield, 
Hill,  Wirithrop,  Eyre.  Went  to  Mr.  Davies  Gate,  and 
then  turn'd  about,  and  so  went  into  the  old  burying  place, 
out  of  the  Schoolhouse  Lane.  Was  about  39  years  old. 
Set  in  a  brick'd  Grave. 

March  14*^  169J.  Aniversary  Town-Meeting.  Select- 
Men,  Tho.  Walker,  78  —  Capt.  Bozoon  Allen,  75  —  Capt. 
Jer.  Dumer,  74  —  Capt.  Pen  Townsend,  70  —  Jn^  Maryon, 
69  — Obadia  Gill,  68— Mr.  Jn^  Foster,  47  — Capt.  Tim^ 
Prout,  32  —  Mr.  Joseph  Bridgham,  30.  Mr.  Joyliff  left 
out. 

Mr.  Joyliff  also  lays  down  his  Recorder's  place,  his  sight 
does  so  much  fail  him.  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  Mr.  Samuel 
Checkly,  Mr.  Samuel  Lynde,  Mr.  Edm^  Brown,  Mr.  W^ 
Robie.  The  Treasurer  was  chosen  next  after  the  Select- 
Men,  had  87.  Votes,  and  not  one  Vote  for  any  body  else 
that  I  saw. 

March  23, 169 J.  Capt.  Alden  sails  with  Capt.  Converse 
for  Redemption  of  Captives  [from  Canada],  and  fetching 
home  Col.  Tyng  and  Mr.  Alden  the  Son.  About  5.  P.M. 
Moses  Bradford,  essaying  to  draw  a  youth  out  of  the  Water 
at  Capt.  Wing's  Conduit,  fell  in  himself  and  was  drown'd, 
many  people  round  about  trying  to  save  him.  Boy  was 
taken  out  alive. 

March  24*.^  169|^.  Governour  not  at  Lecture,  being  in- 
disposed. 

April  lie  1692.  Went  to  Salem,  where,  in  the  Meet- 
ing-house, the  persons  accused  of  Witchcraft  were  exam- 
ined ;  was  a  very  great  Assembly ;  'twas  awf ull  to  see 
how  the  afflicted  persons  were  agitated.  Mr.  Noyes 
pray'd  at  the  beginning,  and  Mr.  Higginson  concluded. 
[In  the  margin],  Vce,  Yce,  Vce,  Witchcraft.^ 

1  The  ref ero!i  ^e^  to  the  terrible  paroxysm  of  delusion  and  cruelty  con- 
nected with  the  subject  of  witchcraft  in  Salem  village  are  not  so  frequent  in 
Mr.  Sewall's  Journal  as  we  should  have  expected  to  find  them,  but  the  few 
which  he  has  made  indicate  his  profound  belief  in  the  reality  of  the  alleged 


1092  ]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  359 

April  13*^  1692.     A  Church  is  gathered  at  Wrentham, 
and  Mr.  Man  Ordained.     Mr.  Brinsmead  gave  the  Charge 


enormity  while  the  proceedings  were  going  on,  and  subsequently,  when  the 
spell  of  the  delusion  was  broken,  his  penitence  and  deep  contrition  for  the  share 
he  had  had  in  them.  All  that  a  reader  may  care  to  know  about  this  distress- 
ing subject  will  be  found  most  ably  and  wisely  set  forth  in  the  two  remark- 
able volumes,  composed  after  a  most  exhaustive  research,  and  luminous  with 
the  clear  and  candid  intelligence  of  the  author,  by  our  late  associate,  Charles 
W.  Upham,  entitled  "  Salem  Witchcraft,  with  an  Account  of  Salem  Village." 

There  had  been  legal  proceedings  against  reputed  witches  before  the  local 
magistrates  in  Salem  more  than  a  month  previous  to  the  date  of  Sewall's 
visit  there,  above  recorded.  He  went  thither  with  the  Deputy-Governor, 
Stoughton,  and  four  other  magistrates,  for  the  examination  of  the  last  two 
accused  persons.  Nearly  a  hundred  of  such  victims  were  then  in  the  jails, 
awaiting  trial.  On  Governor  Phips's  return  from  his  Eastern  w^ar  expedi- 
tion, he  appointed,  for  the  emergency,  a  special  commission  of  Oyer  and 
Terminer,  of  which  Stoughton  was  the  chief,  with  six  associates,  including 
Sewall.  It  must  be  taken  for  granted  that  Sewall  had  been  trying  to  qualify 
himself  for  his  duties  as  a  magistrate,  though  we  have  no  information  as  to 
his  legal  studies.  Indeed,  neither  of  his  associates  had  had  any  training  as 
a  lawyer,  the  authorities  of  the  Colony  having  always  discouraged  the  pres- 
ence of  that  professional  class  among  them.  AVe  may  not  wonder,  therefore, 
that  the  rules  of  evidence  were  so  slightly  regarded  in  that  tribunal,  which 
was  itself  of  questionable  legality,  as  not  commissioned  by  the  General  Court. 
But  what  signified  professional  legal  training  or  judicial  rules  of  proceeding 
and  evidence  in  dealing  with  a  stark  delusion,  common  then  to  all  Christen- 
dom, under  the  spell  of  which  the  most  eminent  judges  and  lawyers  of  all  the 
governments  of  Europe  condemned  hundreds  of  thousands  of  victims  ? 

A  few  facts  and  dates  may  be  of  service  to  the  reader.  The  special  Com- 
missioners of  Oyer  and  Terminer  were  appointed  June  13,  1692.  They  were 
William  Stoughton,  John  Richards,  Nathaniel  Saltonstall,  Wait  Winthrop, 
Bartholomew  Gedney,  Samuel  Sewall,  John  Hathorne,  Jonathan  Corwin, 
and  Peter  Sergeant,  or  any  five  of  them;  and  their  jurisdiction  was  to  be  in 
the  counties  of  Suffolk,  Essex,  and  Middlesex.  No  record  of  the  doings  of 
the  court  is  now  to  be  found.  It  opened  in  Salem  in  the  first  week  of  June, 
1692,  and  met  by  adjournments  on  June  30  and  August  5. 

"  After  the  executions,  on  the  22nd  of  September  the  court  adjourned  to 
meet  some  weeks  subsequently;  .  .  ,  but  they  met  no  more."  Nineteen 
persons,  says  Hutchinson,  had  been  executed,  all  asserting  their  innocence. 

In  January,  1693,  the  grand  jury  brought  bills  against  about  fifty  persons, 
but  all  were  acquitted  save  three,  and  those  were  reprieved. 

Hutchinson  (Hist.,  II.  61)  gives  a  well-authenticated  story  that  Lady 
Phips,  wife  of  the  Governor,  did  a  brave  and  generous  act  by  signing  a 
warrant  for  the  discharge  of  a  prisoner.     The  jail-keeper  obeyed,  and  lost 
his  place  therefor,  but  he  must  have  rejoiced  afterwards  at  his  costly  error 
—  Eds. 


360  DIAKY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1692. 

and  Mr.  Gookin  the  Right  Hand  of  Fellowship.  The  Church 
of  Mendon  also  sent  to  and  apeared. 

Apr.  25,  1692.  Eight  Companies  Train  for  the  first 
time  ;  considerable  heat,  and  hurt  done  in  skirmishing  just 
at  night.  Mr.  Lawson  concluded  with  prayer  ;  saluted  one 
another  with  a  general  volley,  gave  the  South  Company 
a  Piece  of  |  [a  Spanish  dollar]  to  drink. 

May  2.  No  Artillery  Training,  so  near  the  Elec- 
tion. 

May  4.  Election-Day,  Major  Hutchinson  and  Capt. 
Greenough's  Companies  attend,  Mr.  Moodey  preaches. 
Dine  at  Wing's.  At  the  Election  Capt.  Johnson  of  Woo- 
burn  is  left  out,  and  Major  Richards  chosen  again.  Sir 
William  Phips  had  the  most  votes,  viz :  969.  No  Treat 
at  the  Governour's  but  Beer,  Cider,  Wine. 

May  14^^  1692.  Sir  Wilham  arrives  in  the  Nonsuch 
Frigat :  Candles  are  lighted  before  He  gets  into  Town- 
house. Eight  Companies  wait  on  Him  to  his  house,  and 
then  on  Mr.  [Increase]  Mather  to  his.  Made  no  volleys 
because  'twas  Satterday  night. 

Monday,  May  16.  Eight  Companies  and  two  from 
Charlestown  guard  Sir  William  and  his  Councillors  to  the 
Townhouse,  where  the  Comissions  were  read  and  Oaths 
taken. ^  I  waited  on  the  Dept.  Governour  to  Town,  and 
then  was  met  by  Brother  Short  and  Northend,  who  in- 
form'd  me  of  the  dangerous  illness  of  my  father,  so  I  went 
with  them,  and  was  not  present  at  the  Solemnity ;  found 
my  father  much  better.     At  Ipswich,  as  we  were  going, 


1  We  may  here  mention  that  the  original  records  of  the  Council  undei 
Andros  are  missing.  Transcripts  of  the  duplicates  preserved  in  the  State 
Paper  Office  in  London  were  procured  some  years  ago,  and  are  now  at  our 
State  House.  But  the  records  of  the  Council  from  Dec.  29,  1687,  to  May 
16,  1692,  being  the  interregnum  from  Andros  to  Phips,  are  lacking  entirely. 
Hence  we  have  been  unable  to  collate  Sewall's  accounts  of  the  proceedings  of 
the  Assistants. 

The  record  of  the  House  of  Deputies  is  continuous,  however,  and  affords 
some  items  of  matters  referred  to  or  from  the  other  branch.  — Eds. 


I 


1692]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  361 

saw  a  Rainbow  just  about  Sunset,  in  Company  of  Brother 
Northend. 

May  24".^  1692.  First  general  Council,  Major  Gedny, 
Walley,  Hutchinson,  Lothrop,  Alcot,  Sewall  took  their 
Oaths  together,  presently  after  Major  Appleton  took  his. 
Justices  of  the  Peace  were  nominated  for  the  Province. 

July  13, 1692.  Eight  Companies  in  Arms  on  the  Coinon, 
Right-hand  File  of  each  Company  drawn  off  for  the 
Service. 

July  14*.^.  At  night.  Sister  Hanah  Toppan  and  Sister 
Mehetabel  Moodey  being  here  on  a  visit,  give  me  the 
following  account  of  my  Father's  family,  in  the  several 
branches  of  it. 

1.  Hanah  —  Jacob,  Jane,  John,  Hannah,  Elisabeth, 
Abraham,  Ane.     7. 

Samuel  —  Samuel,  Hanah,  Elisabeth,  Joseph,  Mary.     5. 

John  —  Hanah,  John,  Henry,  Stephen,  Samuel,  Nicho- 
las a  Twin.     6. 

Stephen  —  Margaret,  Samuel,  Susanna.     3. 

Jane  —  Joana,  Jane,  Joseph,  Sarah,  Elisabeth,  William, 
Moses.     7. 

Anne  —  William,  Anne,  Stephen,  Elisabeth,  Nathan.     6 

Mehetabel  —  Mary,  Dorothy,  Samuel,  Mehetabel.     4. 

Eight  and  thirty  in  all. 

Hannah  buried  1 ;  Samuel  5 ;  John  2 ;  Stephen  3 ; 
Jane  1 ;    Anne  3.     Fifteen  in  all. 

July  20\^  1692.    Fast  at  the  house  of  Capt.  Alden,'  upon 


1  Captain  John  Alden,  "the  tall  man  in  Boston,"  had  been  accused  by 
some  of  the  "  afflicted  "  in  Salem  as  their  tormentor.  We  do  not  know  the 
grounds  of  the  accusation,  as  those  who  brought  it  against  him  do  not  appear 
to  have  known  him  personally.  He  was  a  son  of  the  memorable  pilgrim  of 
the  same  name,  of  Plymouth.  For  thirty  years  he  had  been  a  leading  and 
respected  citizen  of  Boston,  was  a  member  of  the  South  Church,  and,  as  a  brave 
and  efficient  seaman,  in  command  of  the  armed  vessel  of  the  Colony,  he  had 
done  noble  service  in  the  French  and  Indian  wars.  He  was  now  seventy 
years  of  age.  Many  readers  may  wish  that  others  of  the  accused  had  mani- 
fested some  of  the  same  resolute  temper  and  indignation  in  behavior  and 


362  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1692. 

his  account.  Mr.  Willard  pray'd.  I  read  a  Sermon  out 
of  Dr.  Preston,  1'*  and  2^  Uses  of  God's  Alsufficienc3^ 
Capt.  Scottovv  prayd,  Mr.  Allen  came  in  and  pray'd,  Mr. 
Cotton  Mather,  then  Capt.  Hill.  Sung  the  first  part  103. 
Ps.,  concluded  about  5.  aclock.  Brave  Shower  of  Rain 
while  Capt.  Scottow  was  praying,  after  much  Drought. 
Cous.  Daniel  Gookin  sups  with  us,  and  bespeaks  my  mar- 
rying of  him  to  morrow. 

July  27,  1692.  A  plentifull  Rain  falls  after  great 
Drought. 

July  30,  1692.  Mrs.  Cary  makes  her  escape  out  of 
Cambridge-Prison,  who  was  Committed  for  Witchcraft.^ 

Thorsday,  Augt.  4.  At  Salem,  Mr.  Waterhouse  brings 
the  news  of  the  desolation  at  Jamaica,  June  7^^  1700 
persons  kill'd,  besides  the  Loss  of  Houses  and  Goods  by 
the  Earthquake. 

Wednesday,  Augt.  10.  I  carried  my  Mother,  Mrs.  Jane 
Sewall,  to  visit  Sam.  at  Mr.  Hobart's  at  Newton.^     Mr. 


speech  which  he  exhibited  when,  to  his  amazement,  he  found  himself  before 
the  magistrates  at  Salem  on  May  31,  charged  by  a  group  of  "  wenches,  play- 
ing their  juggling  tricks,"  with  tormenting  them,  as  they  had  never  before 
seen  each  other.  It  is  said  that  he  made  use  of  some  emphatic  ' '  sea  lan- 
guage "  on  the  occasion.  He  was  sent  to  Boston  jail,  from  which,  after  a 
confinement  of  fifteen  weeks,  with  the  aid  of  friends  he  made  his  escape  to 
Duxbury,  where  he  was  secreted  till  the  delusion  was  spent.  He  told  those 
whom  he  startled  by  his  appearance  at  midnight  in  Duxbury,  that  "  he  wa,s 
flying  from  the  Devil,  and  the  Devil  was  after  him."  He  was  in  Boston  jail 
when  Sewall,  one  of  his  judges,  was  taking  part  in  a  "  fast  "  at  his  house  on 
his  account.  — Eds. 

1  This  was  the  wife  of  Nathaniel  Cary,  of  Charlestown.  Hutchinson 
(Hist.,  n.  47,  48)  tells  the  story  very  dramatically.  After  her  escape,  she 
and  her  husband  fled  to  ^NTew  York,  "where  Governor  Fletcher  entertained 
them  very  courteously."  —  Eds. 

2  We  should  have  mentioned  on  a  previous  page  the  change  of  the  name 
of  New  Cambridge  to  Newton. 

"1691.  Dec.  8.  In  answer  to  the  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  Cam- 
bridge Village,  lying  on  the  south  side  of  Charles  River,  sometimes  called 
New  Cambridge,  being  granted  to  be  a  township,  praying  that  a  name  may 
be  given  to  said  town,  it  is  ordered  that  it  henceforth  be  called  New  Town." 
Paige's  History  of  Cambridge,  p.  92. — Eds. 


/692.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL   SEWALL.  363 

H.  Newman  there,  who  came  with  us  as  far  as  Koger 
Adams's. 

Monday,  Augt.  15.  Mr.  Joseph  Eliot  comes  in  and 
tells  me  the  amazing  News  of  the  Revd.  Mr.  Nathan! 
Gookin's  [Minister  of  Cambridge]  being  dead ;  tis  even 
as  sudden  to  me  as  Mr.  Oakes's  death.  He  was  one 
of  our  best  Ministers,  and  one  of  the  best  Friends  I  had 
left. 

Augt.  16,  1692.  I  went  to  the  Fast  at  Roxbury 
and  from  thence  to  the  Funeral  of  Mr.  Gookin.  Mr. 
Mather,  Allen,  Morton,  Willard,  Bayly,  Hobart,  Bearers. 
Has  left  a  widow,  a  Son  and  Daughter.  Capt.  Ruggles 
also  buried  this  day,  died  last  night,  but  could  not  be 
kept. 

Augt.  19*^  1692.  This  day  the  Lieut.  Governour,  Majoi 
Phillips,  Mr.  Eussel,  Capt.  Lynde  and  my  self  went  to 
Watertown.  Advis'd  the  Inhabitants  at  their  Town-Meet- 
ing to  settle  a  Minister ;  and  if  could  not  otherwise  agree, 
should  first  have  a  Town-Meeting  to  decide  where  the 
Meetinghouse  should  be  set.  Many  say  Whitney's  Hill 
would  be  a  convenient  place. 

This  day  [in  the  margin,  Dolefull  Witchcraft !]  George 
Burrough,  John  Willard,  Jn*"  Procter,  Martha  Carrier  and 
George  Jacobs  were  executed  at  Salem,  a  very  great 
number  of  Spectators  being  present.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather 
was  there,  Mr.  Sims,  Hale,  Noyes,  Chiever,  &c.  All 
of  them  said  they  were  inocent.  Carrier  and  all.  Mr. 
Mather  says  they  all  died  by  a  Righteous  Sentence. 
Mr.  Burrough  by  his  Speech,  Prayer,  protestation  of 
his  Innocence,  did  much  move  unthinking  persons,  which 
occasions  their  speaking  hardly  concerning  his  being  exe- 
cuted. 

Augt.  25.  Fast  at  the  old  [First]  Church,  respecting 
the  Witchcraft,  Drought,  &c. 

Augt.  27.  About  4.  P.M.  Cous.  Fissenden  comes  in  and 
tells  the  sad  news  of  Simon  Gates  being  dead  of  the  Fever ; 


364  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1692. 

died  yesterday  and  is  buried  to  day.^  I  heard  not  a  word 
of  it,  and  so  neither  saw  him  sick,  nor  was  at  his  Burial. 
The  Lord  grant  the  Landlady  and  her  Children  may  be 
also  ready. 

Thorsday,  Sept.  1,  1692.  Major  John  Richards  marries 
Mistress  Anne  Winthrop  before  W™  Stoughton  Esqr.  the 
Lieut.  Governour,  at  the  House  of  Madam  Usher. 

Sept.  4:^}}.  Major  Richards  accompanies  his  Bride  to  our 
Meeting,  morning  and  evening.  Note.  Mr.  Randolph 
came  to  Town  last  Friday. 

Monday,  Sept.  19,  1692.  About  noon,  at  Salem,  Giles 
Corey  was  press'd  to  death  for  standing  Mute ;  ^  much 
pains  was  used  with  him  two  days,  one  after  another,  by 
the  Court  and  Capt.  Gardner  of  Nantucket  who  had  been 
of  his  acquaintance  :  but  all  in  vain. 

Sept.  20.  Now  I  hear  from  Salem  that  about  18  years 
agoe,  he  was  suspected  to  have  stampd  and  press'd  a  man 
to  death,  but  was  cleared.  Twas  not  remembred  till  Ane 
Putnam  was  told  of  it  by  said  Corey's  Spectre  the  Sabbath- 
day  night  before  the  Execution. 

1  Though  Sewall's  brother  married  Hannah  Fessenden,  we  presume  that 
this  passage  indicates  a  blood-relationship  between  the  families.  See  Sewall's 
refei-ence  to  his  aunt  and  cousins,  Fessendens,  ante,  pp.  272  and  293.  — Eds. 

2  The  case  of  Giles  Corey  happily  stands  alone  in  our  so-called  judicial 
annals,  though  it  has  parallels  in  English  administration,  the  horrible  judg- 
ment visited  upon  him  by  the  provincial  authorities  being  in  strict  con- 
formity with  the  statutes  of  the  realm.  The  poor  victim  was  then  eighty-one 
years  of  age.  Mr.  Upham  has  given  us  a  painfully  interesting  sketch  of  his 
unsettled  and  impulsive  character,  of  his  ill-repute,  perhaps  unjustly  grounded, 
among  his  neighbors,  and  of  his  troubled  life.  At  first,  apparently,  a  firm 
believer  in  the  witchcraft  delusion,  even  to  the  extent  of  mistrusting  his 
saintly  wife,  who  was  executed  three  days  after  his  torturous  death,  his  was 
the  most  tragic  of  all  the  fearful  offerings.  He  had  made  a  will,  while  con- 
fined in  Ipswich  jail,  conveying  his  property,  according  to  his  own  preferences, 
among  his  heirs;  and,  in  the  belief  that  his  will  would  be  invalidated  and 
his  estate  confiscated  if  he  were  condemned  by  a  jury  after  pleading  to  the 
indictment,  he  resolutely  preserved  silence,  knowing  that  an  acquittance  was 
an  impossibility.  He  therefore  bore  with  unflinching  nerve  and  spirit  the 
penalty  of  English  law  for  standing  "  mute  "  and  refusing  to  plead  to  an  in- 
dictment, —  the  peine  forte  et  dure  of  being  pres'^ed  to  death.  —  Eds. 


I 


'^^-•]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  365 

Sept.  20,  1692.  The  Swan  brings  in  a  rich  French 
Prize  of  about  300  Tuns,  laden  with  Claret,  White  Wine, 
Brandy,  Salt,  Linen  Paper,  &c. 

Sept.  21.  A  petition  is  sent  to  Town  in  behalf  of  Dorcas 
Hoar,  who  now  confesses :  '  Accordingly  an  order  is  sent 
to  the  Sheriff  to  forbear  her  Execution,  notwithstanding 
her  being  in  the  Warrant  to  die  to  morrow.  This  is  the 
first  condemned  person  who  has  confess'd. 

Sept.  21.     Brother  and  Sister  St.  Sewall  come  to  see  us. 

Thorsday,  Sept.  22,  1692.  William  Stoughton,  Esqr., 
John  Hathorne,  Esqr.,  Mr.  Cotton  Mather,  and  Capt.  John 
Higginson,  with  my  Brother  St.,  were  at  our  house,  speak- 

1  One  of  the  most  deplorable  concurrences  of  the  delusion,  which  so  en- 
thralled the  minds  and  spirits  of  the  community  at  this  time,  was  the  seem- 
ingly irrefutable  confirmation  of  the  reality  of  the  alleged  complicity  with 
the  Evil  One,  found  in  the  confessions  of  so  many  accused  persons.  There 
were  at  least  fifty-five,  whose  names  are  known  to  us,  who  gave  this  assur- 
ance of  the  guilt  charged  upon  them,  which  was  effectively  used  to  stiffen 
the  credulity  of  those  who  were  most  earnest  in  the  work  of  prosecution,  and 
to  refute  the  doubts  of  those  who  were  of  a  "  Sadducean  spirit."  Confes- 
sion insured  immunity  from  trial  or  imprisonment  or  execution.  "  The 
confessions"  which  we  have  verbally  reported  to  us  are,  in  most  cases,  a 
shocking  mixture  of  horrors  and  absurdity.  The  inference  might  naturally 
be  that  they  were  all  drawn  forth  from  a  simple  prompting  to  escape  the 
penalty  of  conviction,  and  that  they  prove  only  the  shuddering  dismay  and 
terror  of  the  wretched  victims  of  the  accusation.  But  a  deeper  thought  will 
qualify  such  an  inference.  The  direful  consternation  which  struck  over  so 
large  a  portion  of  the  community,  must  have  wrought  so  intensely  in  awe  and 
fright  upon  some  of  the  most  susceptible  persons  as  to  subject  them  to  dread 
hallucinations.  Hearing  themselves  so  circumstantially  charged  with  dia- 
bolical actings,  with  specific  details  of  time,  place,  deed,  and  companionship, 
they  were  so  crazed  as  to  be  brought  under  the  imagination  that  they  were 
really  parties  to  the  guilt  charged  upon  them.  The  form  and  substance  of 
their  "confessions"  were  in  several  instances  dictated  to  those  who  made 
them,  or  assented  to  them,  by  friends  who  could  not  withstand  the  "  evidence  " 
offered  against  them,  and  who  wished  to  save  their  lives.  The  reasons  after- 
wards given  by  some  who  yielded  to  the  dread  of  the  penalty,  or  to  the 
hallucination  of  their  supposed  guilt,  for  having  made  such  circumstantial 
confessions,  very  clearly  indicate  the  power  of  the  spell  which  had  wrought 
upon  them.  How  impressive  in  contrast  was  the  calm  firmness  of  those  vic- 
tims who,  when  deliverance  by  confession  was  so  readily  offered  to  them, 
refused  to  purchase  by  it  a  release  from  an  appalling  judgment  and  ac 
unaneled  death. — Eds. 


366  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1692 

ing  about  publishing  some  Trials  of  the  Witches.  Mr. 
Stoughton  went  away  and  left  us,  it  began  to  rain  and 
was  very  dark,  so  that  getting  some  way  beyond  the  for- 
tification, was  fain  to  come  back  again,  and  lodgd  here  in 
Capt.  Henchman's  Room.  Has  been  a  plentifull  Rain, 
blessed  be  God.  Mr.  Stoughton  w^ent  away  early  in  the 
morn  so  that  I  saw  him  not.  Read  the  1  Jn°  1.  before 
went  to  bed.  » 

Thorsday,  Sept.  29*^  1692.  The  Major  Generall  sets  out 
for  Elisabeth's  Rand  and  Marthas  Vinyard.  Governour 
comes  to  Town. 

Friday,  Sept.  30.  Go  to  Hog-Island  with  Joshua  Gee 
and  sell  him  3  white  oaks  for  thirty  shillings ;  I  am  to 
cart  them  to  the  Water  side. 

Satterday,  Oct.  1.  I  ride  to  Newton  to  see  Sam.,  dine 
with  Mr.  Hobart,  his  wife,  Mrs.  Prentice,  and  2  or  3  Cam- 
bridge Scholars ;  bring  home  some  Chesnuts  in  the  Burs 
to  set.  First  went  to  George  Bearstow's  and  the  widow 
Gates's.     Rains  at  night  Oct.  1. 

Friday,  Oct.  7*^  Mr.  Willard  and  I  visit  loansom  Mr. 
Torrey ;  we  meet  my  Unkle  entring  Crane's  Plain  in  his 
way  to  Boston  ;  He  turns  back  with  us  and  accompanies 
to  Weymouth.  Mrs.  Fisk  is  very  dangerously  ill.  Got 
home  rather  before  seven  aclock  very  well,  blessed  be 
God.  Mr.  Torrey  took  our  visit  very  kindly.  Din'd  in 
his  Kitchin  Chamber.  He  made  Mr.  Willard  crave  a 
Blessing  and  return  Thanks,  which  He  perform'd  excel- 
lently. To  morrow  will  be  a  moneth  since  Mrs.  Torrey 
died,  Sept.  10*.^  1692.  Mr.  Torrey  seems  to  be  of  opinion 
that  the  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  should  go  on,  regu- 
lating any  thing  that  may  have  been  amiss,  when  certainly 
found  to  be  so.     Fine  rain  after  our  getting  home. 

Oct.  10^!^  1692.  The  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  is 
opened  at  Boston  to  trie  a  French  Malatta  for  shooting 
dead  an  English  youth. 

Oct.   11,   1692.     Went  to  the  Funeral  of  Mrs.  Sarah 


1692.]  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  367 

Oliver,  widow,  aged  72.  jears ;  buried  in  the  new  bury- 
ing place ;  a  very  good,  modest,  humble,  plain,  liberal 
Matron.  Bearers,  Sam.  Sewall,  Major  Jn"*  Walley,  Capt. 
Joshua  Scottow,  Capt.  James  Hill,  Capt.  Jacob  Eliot,  Capt. 
Theophilus  Frary.     Scarvs  and  Gloves. 

Read  Mr.  Willard's  Epistle  to  Mr.  Mather's  book,  as  to 
Cases  of  Conscience  touching  Witchcraft. 

Oct.  11,  1692.  Set  two  Chesnuts  at  Mr.  Bromfield's 
Orchard,  and  three  at  our  own,  hoping  they  may  come 
up  in  the  Spring. 

Satterday,  Oct.  15*.^  "Went  to  Cambridge  and  visited 
Mr.  Danforth,  and  discoursed  with  Him  about  the  Witch- 
craft ;  thinks  there  caiiot  be  a  procedure  in  the  Court 
except  there  be  some  better  consent  of  Ministers  and 
People.  Told  me  of  the  woman's  coming  into  his  house 
last  Sabbath-day  sennight  at  Even. 

Friday,  Oct.  21.  Went  to  Salem  and  visited  my  sick 
Brother,  who  has  had  a  Fever  all  this  moneth ;  Is  very 
desirous  to  live,  and  makes  vows  to  serve  God  better,  if 
his  life  be  spared :  was  much  affected  at  my  coming  in. 

Oct.  23.  At  night,  Mr.  Cook,  Oakes  and  Wiswall  arrive, 
got  to  their  houses  almost  before  any  body  knew  it ;  have 
been  8  week  and  5  days  from  Plimouth.  Went  and  saw 
my  Landlord  and  Landlady  Jennings;  their  Son  in  Ja- 
maica has  a  Plantation  spoiled  by  a  Mountain  thrown  upon 
it  by  the  late  Earthquake. 

Oct.  26,  1692.  A  Bill  is  sent  in  about  calling  a  Fast, 
and  Convocation  of  Ministers,  that  may  be  led  in  the  right 
way  as  to  the  Witchcrafts.  The  season  and  maiier  of 
doing  it,  is  such,  that  the  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer 
count  themselves  thereby  dismissed.  29  Nos.  and  33  yeas 
to  the  Bill.  Capt.  Bradstreet  and  Lieut.  True,  W^  Huchins 
and  several  other  interested  persons  there,  in  the  affirma- 
tive. 

Oct.  27^^.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  preaches  from  James, 
1.4. 


368  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1692. 

Oct.  28t^  Lieut.  Governour  coming  over  the  Causey  is, 
by  reason  of  the  high  Tide,  so  wet,  that  is  fain  to  go  to 
bed  till  sends  for  dry  cloaths  to  Dorchester ;  In  the  After- 
noon, as  had  done  several  times  before,  desired  to  have 
the  advice  of  the  Governour  and  Council  as  to  the  sitting 
of  the  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  next  week ;  said  should 
move  it  no  more  ;  great  silence,  as  if  should  say  do  not  go. 

Oct.  29.  Mr.  Russel  asked  whether  the  Court  of  Oyer 
and  Terminer  should  sit,  expressing  some  fear  of  Incon- 
venience by  its  fall.^  Governour  said  it  must  fall.  Lieut. 
Governour  not  in  Town  today.  Several  persons  drowned 
on  Friday  28^.1'  Major  General  comes  home  Oct.  28.  even, 
having  been  gon  a  Moneth.  Deputies  doe  this  day  Treat 
the  lately  returned  Agents  Oct.  28. 

Nov.  4,  1692.  Law  passes  for  Justices  and  Ministers 
Marrying  persons.  By  order  of  the  Comittee,  I  had  drawn 
up  a  Bill  for  Justices  and  such  others  as  the  Assembly 
should  appoint  to  marry  :  but  came  new-drawn  and  thus 
alter'd  from  the  Deputies.  It  seems  they  count  the  re- 
spect of  it  too  much  to  be  left  any  longer  with  the  Magis- 
trate. And  Salaries  are  not  spoken  of ;  as  if  one  sort  of 
Men  might  live  on  the  Aer.  They  are  treated  like  a  kind 
of  useless,  worthless  folk. 

Nov.  5.     No  disturbance  at  night  by  Bonfires. 

^  In  fact,  the  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  had  fallen  of  its  own  weight. 
The  charter  of  1691  granted  power  to  the  General  Court  or  Assembly  to 
establish  courts  of  record  for  all  purposes.  Another  section  empowered  the 
Governor  and  Council  to  appoint  "judges,  Commissioners  of  Oyer  and  Ter- 
miner, sheriffs,  provosts,  marshals,  justices  of  the  peace  and  other  officers  to 
our  Councill  and  Courts  of  Justice  belonging." 

This  witchcraft  court  was  established  before  the  legislature  met,  and 
before  any  system  of  courts  had  been  arranged  by  its  authority.  Washburn 
(Judicial  History  of  Massachusetts)  discusses  this  matter,  arriving  at  the 
conclusion  that  the  Commission  was  illegal.  However  this  may  be,  as  soon 
as  the  legislature  exercised  its  undoubted  powers,  and  established,  by  chap. 
33  of  the  acts  of  1692-3,  a  superior  court  over  the  whole  province,  the  tem- 
porary court  ceased  without  any  formal  act  of  extinction.  Occasionally 
afterwards  Commissioners  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  were  appointed,  nine  cases 
being  cited  in  AVhitmore's  Massachusetts  Civil  List.  —  Eds. 


1692]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  369 

Nov.  6.  Joseph  threw  a  knop  of  Brass  and  hit  his  Sister 
Betty  on  the  forhead  so  as  to  make  it  bleed  and  swell ; 
upon  which,  and  for  his  playing  at  Prayer-time,  and  eat- 
ing when  Return  Thanks,  I  whipd  him  pretty  smartly. 
When  1  first  went  in  (call'd  by  his  Grandmother)  he  sought 
.to  shadow  and  hide  himself  from  me  behind  the  head  of 
the  Cradle :  which  gave  me  the  sorrowf  ull  remembrance 
of  Adam's  carriage. 

Tuesday,  Nov.  15^.^  1692.  Mr.  Cook  keeps  a  Day  of 
Thanksgiving  for  his  safe  Arrival.  Mr.  Bradstreet  and 
Lady,  Major  Richards  and  wife,  Major  General,  Mr. 
Danforth,  Col.  Shrimpton,  Mr.  Oakes  and  wife,  Mr. 
Sergeant  and  wife,  Mr.  E^  Hutchinson  and  wife,  Mrs. 
Elisha  Hutchinson,  Mr.  Chiever  and  wife,  Mr.  Morton, 
Mr.  Willard  and  wife,  Mr.  Allen  and  wife.  Mr.  Allen 
preach'd  ;  from  Jacob's  going  to  Bethel.  Sung  twice  after 
my  being  there,  which  was  late,  and  once  before.  Sung 
after  Diner.  Mr.  Bayly  and  Mrs.  Bayly  there.  Mr.  [In- 
crease] Mather  not  there,  nor  Mr.  Cotton  Mather.  The 
good  Lord  unite  us  in  his  Fear,  and  remove  our  Animosi- 
ties ! 

Satterday,  Nov.  19*.^  I  drove  a  Treenail  in  the  Gov- 
ernour's  Briganteen ;  and  invited  his  Excellency  to  drink 
a  Glass  of  Brandy,  which  was  pleas' d  to  doe  with  Capt. 
Greenough,  Mr.  Jackson  Elliston,  and  his  little  Son.  Saith 
tis  the  first  time  has  been  in  the  House  since  my  Father's 
days,  who  was  one  of  his  Owners  to  the  AVreck. 

Nov.  20.  Mr.  Dudley  at  our  Meetinghouse  P.M.  Up- 
roar in  North  Meeting  House  by  Cry  of  Fire,  in  first 
Prayer,  Afternoon  Exercise. 

Nov.  21,  1692.  Mr.  Joseph  Eliot,  of  Guilford,  visited, 
supped  and  prayed  with  us,  went  not  away  till  half  an 
hour  after  nine  at  night. 

Nov.  22,  1692.  I  prayd  that  God  would  pardon  all  my 
Sinfull  Wanderings,  and  direct  me  for  the  future.  That 
God  would  bless  the  Assembly  in  their  debates,  and  that 

21 


370  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1692. 

would  chiise  and  assist  our  Judges,  &c.,  and  save  New 
England  as  to  Enemies  and  Witchcrafts,  and  vindicate  the 
late  Judges,  consisting  with  his  Justice  and  Holiness,  &c., 
with  Fasting.  Cousin  Anne  Quinsy  visited  me  in  the 
Evening,  and  told  me  of  her  children's  wellfare.  Now 
about,  Mercy  Short  grows  ill  again,  as  formerly. 

Nov.  25.  Mr.  Mather  sent  for  to  her.  Bill  for  Courts 
pass'd. 

Mrs.  Brown,  wife  of  Major  W^  Brown,  is  buried  this 
day  ;  is  much  lamented  in  Salem.  Died  on  Monday  about 
Sunset.  Mr.  Bartholomew  died  about  the  same  time. 
Extraordinary  foggy  and  dark  wether  almost  all  this  week. 

Nov.  24.  Sam.  comes  to  see  us  from  Newton.  Give 
him  16*^,  a  Groat  having  engraven,  Salviim  fac  Regent 
Domine,  which  he  construed  to  me,  &c. 

Tuesday,  Dec.  6.  A  very  dark  cold  day  ;  is  the  day 
Apointed  for  chusing  of  Judges.  W^  Stoughton,  Esqr.,  is 
chosen  Chief  Justice,  15  Votes  (all  then  present.)  Tho. 
Danforth  Esqr.  12  —  Major  Richards,  7  —  Major  Gen! 
Winthrop,  7  —  S.  S.  7  —  1  last  voted  for  Mr.  Hathorn, 
who  had  3  —  when  Major  Gen!  Winthrop  chosen,  so  I 
counted  it  probable  that  he  might  now  carry  it :  but  now 
Major  Gedney  had  more  than  he.  I  esteemed  Major 
Gedney  not  so  suited  for  the  place,  because  he  is  Judge 
of  the  Probat  of  Wills.  This  was  in  Col.  Page's  Rooms, 
by  Papers,  on  Wednesday,  December  7^}^  1692.  Tuesday 
was  spent  about  Little-Compton  business  and  other  inter- 
ruptions.    Were  at  last  about  18  Assistants  present. 

Dec.  8.  Mr.  Danforth  is  invited  to  Diner,  and  after 
press'd  to  accept  his  Place.  Mr.  Morton  and  Mather  dine 
with  us  ;  Governour  should  have  said  first. 

Thorsday,  Dec.  22,  1692.  After  Lecture,  the  Govern- 
our delivers  Mr.  Stoughton  his  Comission  as  Chief  Justice 
of  the  Superiour  Court,  and  to  Major  Richards,  Winthrop, 
Sewall  as  Justices,  and  the  Secretary  gave  each  of  us  an 
Oath  singly,  that  would  impartially  administer  Justice  ac- 


1692.]  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  371 

cording  to  our  best  skill.  I  would  have  stayed  till  Mr. 
Danforth  took  his ;  but  the  Governour  granted  it  not. 

Major  General  tells  me,  that  last  night  about  7  aclock, 
he  saw  5.  or  7  Balls  of  Fire  that  mov'd  and  mingled  each 
with  other,  so  that  he  could  not  tell  them ;  made  a  great 
Light,  but  streamed  not.  Twas  our  privat  Meeting ;  I 
saw  nothing  of  it.  Order  comes  out  for  a  Fast.  I  carry 
one  to  Mr.  Willard.  Mrs.  Willard  talks  to  me  very 
sharply  about  Capt.  Alden's  not  being  at  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per last  Sabbath-day. 

Dec.  22.     Betty  being  sick,  lyes  abed  and  sweats. 

Dec.  23.  She  takes  a  vomit,  and  brings  up  two  Worms ; 
one  above  six  inches,  and  the  other  above  eight  inches 
long  ;  a  third  about  eleven  inches  in  length. 

Tuesday,  Dec.  27,  1692.  I  meet  the  Lieut.  Governour 
at  Col.  Dudley's,  and  wait  on  Him  to  Watertown,  falling 
in  with  Major  Phillips,  Mr.  Russel,  and  Capt.  Lynde  at 
Cambridge.  Got  to  Watertown  Meetinghouse  about  eleven 
aclock.  Mr.  Lawson  went  to  Prayer.  Spent  several  hours 
in  Debate  between  three  parties  relating  to  a  place  for 
publick  Worship,  and  settleing  a  Minister.  At  length. 
Voted  unanimously,  1.  That  would  leave  the  determina- 
tion of  these  Differences  to  a  Comittee  ;  and  would  abide 
by  their  determination. 

2.  Do  pray  the  Governour  and  Council  to  choose  the 
Coinittee. 

3.  Do  desire  Mr.  William  Bond  and  Lieut.  Benjamin 
Garfield  to  move  the  Governour  and  Council  for  obtaining 
a  Comittee  for  the  ends  abovesaid. 

These  three  Votes  were  written  one  by  one  by  Mr. 
Lawson  and  voted.  I  think,  in  the  first,  one  or  two  held 
up  their  hands  for  the  negative,  and  no  more. 

After  this  went  to  Nevison's^  and  took  a  very  good 


1  Doubtless  John  Nevinson  of  Watertown,  who  kept  a  public-house  there, 
says  Bond,  before  1685,  and  until  his  death  in  1695.  —  Eds 


372  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [169f. 

Repast  provided  for  us  by  the  Select-Men ;  by  which 
time  'twas  past  Sunset.  Got  home  well  about  7  aclock, 
in  the  dark,  over  the  Neck  alone.     Laus  Deo. 

Satterday,  Dec.  31,  1692.  I  went  to  Newton  to  see 
Sam.  Mrs.  Hobart  is  not  well,  has  been  very  sick  :  went 
out  about  1 1 .  and  came  in  about  5.  Staid  more  than  two 
hours  there. 

Jan.  16,  169|.  Serj!  Solomon  Rainsford  is  buried.  W^ 
Gilbert  and  he  died  the  last  week. 

Sabbath,  Jan.  22,  169|.  A  very  extraordinary  Storm 
by  reason  of  the  falling  and  driving  of  the  Snow.  Few 
Women  could  get  to  Meeting.  Our  two  Maids  and  my 
self  there.  A  child  named  Alexander  was  baptized  in  the 
Afternoon.  Major  General  not  abroad  in  the  Afternoon. 
Gov'^  Bradstreet  very  sick. 

Jan.  27,  169f .  Mr.  Elisha  Cook,  Mr.  Isaac  Addington 
and  I  saw  and  heard  Simon  Bradstreet  Esqr.  sign,  seal 
and  publish  a  Codicil  now  anexed  to  his  Will,  written  by 
said  Addington  at  said  Bradstreets  direction,  and  read  to 
him  several  times.  Signd  and  seald  it  sitting  up  in  his 
Bed.  After  told  us  that  if  his  Estate  should  exceed  Two 
hundred  pounds  more  than  was  mentioned  in  the  Will, 
would  have  his  Executors  distribute  it  according  to  the 
direction  of  his  Overseers,  and  Wife,  I  think.  Said,  the 
reason  why  would  sell  the  little  farm,  was  because  'twas 
a  ruinous  thing,  and  yielded  but  8c£  per  anum  in  Country- 
pay.     Call'd  for  Ale  and  made  us  drink. 

Jan.  28.  Went  in  with  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  to  Mr. 
Bradstreets,  and  heard  him  pray. 

Sabbath,  Jan.  29,  169|.  A  very  sunshiny,  hot,  thawing 
day.  Note.  Just  as  we  came  out  of  the  Meetinghouse  at 
Noon,  Savil  Simson's  Chimny  fell  on  fire,  and  blaz'd  out 
much,  w^hich  made  many  people  stand  gazing  at  it  a  pretty 
while,  being  so  near  the  Meetinghouse. 

Sabbath,  Feb.  5,  169f .  Three  Williams  baptized  ;  Ehsa- 
beth  Wisendunk  and  Abigail  Winslow  taken  into  Church, 


169f.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  373 

and  Elisabeth  Monk  (formerly  Woodmancy)  Kestored, 
having  made  a  satisfactory  Confession. 

Feb.  8*^.^  169|.  Capt.  Checkly  Tells  me  at  Charlestown, 
that  my  Brother  Stephen's  wife  was  yesterday  about  11. 
aclock  brought  to  bed  of  a  Son.  Major  Gedney  and  Mr. 
Hathorn  confirm  the  same  when  I  come  over  to  Boston. 
Mr.  Torrey  came  to  Town  yesterday  to  see  if  he  could  get 
the  last  clause  in  the  Law  relating  to  Ministers/  taken 
away,  or  alter' d  :  is  highly  concernd  about  it. 

Feb.  28.  Went  to  Roxbury  Lecture.  Just  before  went 
to  the  Burial  of  Nathan!  Brewer. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  to  Major  Nath!  Saltonstall  Esqr.  at 
Havarhill,  March,  3.  169f . 

Dicere  quce  puduit,  scribere  j'ussit  Amor. 

Sir,  Not  seeing  you  in  the  Assembly,  to  speak  to  you  and  for  the 
reason  forementioned,  I  am  put  upon  writing  ray  Salutations  to  Mr. 
Ward,  your  self,  and  good  Lady :  and  telling,  that  I  have  sympathised 
with  you  and  your  family,  as  to  the  report  that  went  of  some  being 
afflicted  by  a  person  in  your  shape,  and  that  I  fully  believe  the  Letter 
asserting  your  Innocence.  Allow  me  also  to  intimate  that  I  was 
grieved  upon  this  day  was  fortnight,  when  I  heard  and  saw  that  you 
had  drunk  to  excess ;  so  that  your  head  and  hand  were  rendered  less 
usefull  than  at  other  times.  You  may  remember,  you  were  sitting 
in  the  Soulh-side  of  the  Council-chamber,  on  the  bench ;  I  drew  near 
to  you,  and  enquired  concerning  Mr.  Ward  ;  you  answer'd.  He  was 
better,  which  made  you  so  merry :  you  also  told  me  of  the  breaking 
up  of  the  Ice  of  the  River  Merrimack,  having  received  the  account 
from  your  son  Cotton.  That  is  the  time  I  intend.  Let  me  intreat 
you.  Sir,  to  break  off  this  practice  (so  tis  rumoured  to  be)  not  as  the 
River  ;  but  obstinatly  and  perpetually  to  refuse  the  Yoke.  As  to 
your  being  deny'd  a  Judges  place  by  the  Governour,  I  no  ways  influ- 
enc'd  Him  in  the  matter,  neither  do  I  know  who  did.  And  I  was 
surpris'd  to  hear  any  Talk  of  the  North  Regiment  of  Essex  being 
put  under  any  other  Major.  Don't  furnish  your  Enemies  with  Arms. 
I  mention  this  that  you  may  believe,  I  write  not  of  prejudice  but 
Kindness;  and  out  of  a  sense  of  Duty,  as  indeed  I  doe.  Take  it  in 
good  part  from  him  who  desires  your  everlasting  wellfare,       S.  S. 

1  The  reference  here  seems  to  be  to  the  Act  printed  in  the  Province  Laws, 
new  edition,  pp.  102,  103. — Eds. 


•■^74  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [169f 

March  7,  169|.  Not  having  had  an  oportunity  to  send 
my  Letter,  I  was  this  day  surprised  to  see  Major  Sal  ton- 
stall  in  the  Court.  I  came  home  at  noon,  and  took  my 
Letter  and  delivered  it  with  my  own  hand  just  at  night, 
desiring  him  to  read  it  at  his  Lodging :  but  He  being  im- 
patient, sat  down  in  the  very  place  mentioned,  and  dis- 
coursed me,  gave  me  Thanks  and  desired  my  Prayers. 
God  give  a  good  effect.  This  day  there  is  a  sore  storm 
of  snow  after  much  unusually  warm  wether  and  settled 
ways. 

March  9,  169|.  Joseph  puts  his  Grandmother  and 
Mother  in  great  fear  by  swallowing  a  Bullet  which  for 
a  while  stuck  in  his  Throat :  He  had  quite  got  it  down, 
before  I  knew  what  the  matter  was.  This  day  in  the 
Afternoon  One  of  Mr.  Holyoke's  Twins  falls  into  the  Well 
and  is  drownd,  no  body  but  a  Negro  being  at  home  ;  was 
a  very  lovely  Boy  of  about  4  years  old.  Satterday,  March 
11,  about  Sunset  He  is  buried.  When  I  come  home  from 
the  funeral,  my  wife  shows  me  the  Bullet  Joseph  swal- 
lowed, which  he  voided  in  the  Orchard.  The  Lord  help 
us  to  praise  Him  for  his  distinguishing  Favour. 

March  10,  169f .  Gwin  arrives,  9  weeks  from  Liver- 
pool ;  the  great  news  we  had  of  Dunkirk's  being  besiegd 
comes  to  just  nothing ;  tis  so  far  from  being  Taken. 

Sabbath,  March  12.  Bant  arrives  in  the  America  9. 
weeks  from  the  Isle  of  Wight;  Capt.  Thomas  Dudley 
comes  in  him,  first  I  heard  or  saw  of  him  was  at  Meeting 
in  the  Afternoon,  sat  in  his  Ilnkle  Allen's  Pue. 

March  13*^  169f .  Aniversary  Town-Meeting.  Select- 
Men,  Mr.  Tho.  Walker,  92  —  Capt.  Bozoon  Allen,  87  — 
Obadia  Gill,  81  — Sam!  Checkly,  74— Tim^  Thornton,  73 

—  Jn^  Maryon,  66  —  Ephraim  Savage,  52  —  Nath!  Wil- 
liams, 29  —  James  Hill,  28.  Constables,  Capt.  Tim-  Clark, 
86  —  Mr.  Tho.  Cooper,  74  —  Joseph  Kussel,  63  —  Jacob 
Malyne,  61  —  Richard  Chievers,  49  —  Enoch  Greenlef,  43 

—  William  Parkinan,  36  —  Hezekia  Henchman,  35.    Capt 


169|.]  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  375 

Ephraim  Savage,  Town-Clerk.  Mr.  James  Taylor,  Treas- 
urer. No  Constable  fined  this  year.  Very  quiet  Meeting. 
Capt.  Pen  Townsend,  Capt.  Jer.  Dumer,  Mr.  Jn^  Foster, 
Mr.  Timo.  Prout,  Mr.  Joseph  Bridgham  left  out.  Did  not 
see  cause  to  choose  any  Overseers  of  the  Poor  this  year, 
supposing  the  work  might  be  better  done  without  such 
an  office. 

March  15.     Gov""  Bradstreet's  pains  return. 

March  17.  Mr.  Willard  is  sent  for,  who  prays  at  tne 
breaking  up  the  Assembly ;  then  Mr.  Secretary  acquaints 
the  Deputies  that  the  Governour  accepted  their  endeav- 
ours, and  what  heat  might  have  appeared  in  any  debate 
twas  overlook' d.  Mr.  Speaker  in  behalf  of  the  Repre- 
sentatives, thank' d  the  Governour  for  his  Acceptance  of 
their  poor  Endeavours.  Then  Mr.  Secretary  in  the  Gov- 
ernour's  name,  declared  the  Court  to  be  dissolved.  This 
was  about  one  of  the  Clock.  The  Lieut.  Governour  and 
Major  General  not  present.  This  Even  Mr.  Dudley  and 
his  Son,  Capt.  Tho.  Dudley,  visit  me. 

Sabbath,  March  19,  169|.  Benjamin  Hallawell,  late 
captive  in  Algier,  and  his  Infant  daughter,  Mary,  were 
baptized.  When  I  first  saw  him  in  London,  I  could  hardly 
persuade  myself  that  he  could  live  over  the  Sea,  and  now 
I  see  him  and  his  daughter  baptized.  Lord  let  it  be  a 
Token  that  Thou  wilt  revive  thy  work  in  the  midst  of  the 
years.  In  London,  twas  some  discouragement  to  me  to 
think  how  hardly  'twould  come  off  for  the  father  to  pay 
me  for  the  English  Money  I  had  disbursed  for  the  Re- 
demption of  a  dead  Son :  but  God  has  given  him  a  new 
life. 

Boston;  March,  21.  169|. 

Honoured  Sir,  The  information  of  my  health,  and  the  health  of 
my  family  is  always  welcome  news  to  you,  and  therefore  this  Letter, 
by  one  of  the  Poor's,  will  be  acceptable.  We  have  not  been  altogether 
free  from  Colds ;  but  are  now  in  pretty  good  health,  blessed  be  God. 
[  am  glad  that  Brother  Moodey  hath  success  in  his  FuUing-Mill.    As 


376  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1693. 

I  remember,  you  used  to  call  his  wife  Bel ;  ^  it  seems  my  Brothers 
speak  of  going  to  live  at  the  Falls ;  if  you  please,  you  may  call  the 
Farm  Belford ;  and  so  fasten  your  abbreviation  of  my  Sister's  Name 
on  the  place,  and  make  it  long-lasting.  The  Stream,  we  see,  makes 
the  Land  desirable  and  sought  to,  though  remote.  The  pleasantness 
of  the  Watercourse  will  well  be  signified,  if  you  make  it  Latin.  Con- 
sider it  in  Mehreic,  as  it  is,  so  the  Name  ^  carries  God  in  the  front  of 
it,  from  whose  Goodness,  all  created  Beings  and  Conveniences  have 
their  Original.  I  have  inclosed  some  Gazetts  for  your  diversion,  and 
a  Letter  to  Mr.  Woodbridge.  Govf  Bradstreet  had  some  lightening 
of  his  Pains  :  but  they  returned  again  last  Wednesday  very  sorely: 
had  a  bad  night,  and  is  now  very  ill,  &c.  &c. 

Wednesday,  March,  22.  169|.  Our  kitchin  chimney 
fell  on  fire  about  noon,  and  blaz'd  out  sorely  at  top,  ap- 
peared to  be  very  foul :  the  fire  fell  on  the  shingles  so 
that  they  begun  to  burn  in  several  places,  being  very 
dry :  but  by  the  good  Providence  of  God,  no  harm  done. 
Mr.  Fisk  was  with  us,  and  w^e  sat  merrily  to  dinner  on  the 
Westfield  Pork  that  was  snatch'd  from  the  fire  on  this 
Occasion.  Mother  was  exceedingly  frighted ;  and  is 
ready  to  think  we  are  called  to  remove.  This  very  morn- 
ing had  as  'twere  concluded  not  to  build  this  Summer ; 
because  my  wife  is  loath  to  ly  in  at  another  place.  What 
we  shall  now  doe,  I  know  not.     Eid  to  Dorchester. 

March  28,  1693.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  has  a  Son  born, 
which  is  his  first ;  it  seems  was  without  a  Postern  for  the 
voidance  of  Excrements  ;   dies  Satterday,  Ap.  1. 

March  28,  1693.  I  have  six  little  Pines  planted  in  my 
Pasture  by  the  North -burying  Place. 

April  4,  1693.  I  wait  on  the  Lieut.  Governour  to 
Watertown,  Mr.  Russel  and  Capt.  Lynde  meet  us  at 
Cambridge  :  I  rode  with  a  Watertown  man  and  saw  the 
place  by  Whitney's  wdiere  some  would  have  the  Meeting- 
house stand.     At  the  Meetinghouse  heard  the  Allegations 

1  This  reference  is,  of  course,  to  Sewall's  sister,  Mehitable,  wife  of 
William  Moody  of  Xewbury. — Eds. 

2  Mehitabel,  from  the  Hebrew,  signifies  "benefited  of  God."  —  Eds. 


1693.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  377 

pro  and  con,  took  in  their  Papers.  Came  home  in  the 
Rain. 

Apr.  13.     Brother  Topan  comes  to  Town. 

Apr.  14.     Carries  home  Jane  to  see  her  friends. 

Apr.  15.  I  ride  with  Capt.  Gookin,  and  take  a  further 
view  of  Watertown  that  might  the  better  consider  the 
pleas  about  the  place  for  a  Meetinghouse  ;  went  about  as 
far  as  Samuel  Begelos  near  the  end  of  the  great  Plain. 
At  our  coming  back,  refresh'd  our  selvs  at  Mr.  Reming- 
ton's. Call'd  at  Justice  Bond's,  who  gave  us  special  good 
Cider. 

Apr.  26,  1693.  Wednesday.  The  old  Kitchen  is  pulled 
down. 

Satterday,  Apr.  29.  The  little  Hall  is  Removed,  and 
joind  to  Matthias  Smith's  house. 

Friday,  May  5.  Alexander  Millar  and  Frank,  Cous. 
Savages  Negro,  begin  to  digg  the  Cellar.  Mrs.  Goose  is 
brought  to  bed  of  a  daughter. 

Satterday,  May  6.     Widow  Sarah  Hurd  dies. 

Tuesday,  May  16,  1693.  The  first  stone  is  laid  in  the 
new  building,  being  the  great  Stone  that  lay  at  Capt. 
Wyllys's  Corner,  and  is  now  our  Corner-Stone  next  Father 
Walker's. 

May  20.  The  Corner  stone  next  Fort-Hill  is  laid  ;  The 
Corner  next  Wheeler's  Pond  had  the  other  half ;  being 
the  white  split  Rock  on  the  Comon. 

May  20.  The  Governour  comes  home  from  Sea.  Major 
Converse  went  out  after  the  Enemy  with  200  and  odd 
men,  yesterday  was  senight ;  designd  for  Tackonnick. 

Tuesday,  May  23, 1693.  The  Corner  Stone  next  Cotton- 
Hill  is  laid,^  which  fell  as  it  were  cheerfully  and  willingly 
into  his  place ;  I  gave  the  workmen  a  piece  of  Eight. 

1  If,  as  we  suppose,  this  description  refers  to  the  rebuilding  by  Sewall  of 
the  Hull  house  on  Tremont  Street,  the  definitions  are  quite  bewildering. 
The  four  corner-stt)nes  are  respectively  "next  Father  Walker's,"  "next 
Fort-Hill,"  "next  Wheeler's  pond,"  and  "next  Cotton-Hill."     The  two 


378  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1693. 

Satterday,  May  27.  The  foundation  of  the  Cellar  is 
finished,  by  stones  gotten  out  of  the  Coinon.^ 

Wednesday,  May  31.     Stoughton,   31  —  Danforth,   64 

—  Pynchon,  57  —  Richards,  60  —  Winthrop,  65  —  Sal- 
tonstall,  39  — Russell,  64  —  Gedney,  49  — Pike,  39  — 
Cook,  31  —  Hathorn,  35  —  Hutchinson,  39. 

Left  out  —  Bradstreet,  Hinkly,  Apleton,  Mason,  Lynde, 
Heman,  Joyhff,  A.  Winthrop,  Middlecot,  Alcock. 

Wednesday,  May  31,  1693.     Election.     Addington,  37 

—  Sewall,  77  —  PhiUips,  55  —  Corwin,  46  —  Foster,  38  — 
Sergeant,  38  —  Brown,  41  —  Bradford,  72 — Lothrop,  65 

—  Walley,  24  —  Thomas,  70  —  Saffin,  28  —  Frost,  66  — 
Hook,  44  —  Donell,  27  —  Silvanus  Davis  34. 

New  —  Stoughton,  Danforth,  Pynchon,  Addington, 
Brown,  Thomas,  Frost,  Hook,  Saffin,  Peirce. 

Mr.  Elisha  Cook  was  refused  by  the  Governour  on 
Thorsday,  and  the  day  following  Capt.  Daniel  Peirce  was 
chosen  by  19  votes.  Col.  Shrimp  ton  had  17,  and  Col. 
Dudley  18. 

On  Satterday,  June  3.  Mr.  James  Taylor  was  chosen 
Treasurer  by  28.  votes  ;  Major  Phillips  had  22 ;  I  had  5. 
I  was  told  before  I  should  have  votes  and  endeavoured  to 
prevent  it. 


hills  are  about  N.W.  and  S.E.  from  Se wall's  house.  Walker's  house,  we 
presume,  was  near  the  head  of  State  Street,  that  is,  N.E.  Wheeler's  point 
ought  then  to  be  S.W.  of  Sewall's,  that  is  to  say,  in  the  direction  of  the 
Common.  Now,  in  1708,  in  the  description  of  the  streets  of  Boston,  we 
find  the  following:  "The  street  leading  easterly  from  Wheeler's  corner  in 
Newbury  street,  by  the  town's  watering  place,  as  far  as  Capt.  Dyer's  barn. 
Pond  street.''^  This  is,  of  course,  Bedford  Street,  from  Washington  Street, 
the  town  watering-place  being  on  the  northerly  side,  about  opposite  the  Latin 
school-house. 

It  seems  safe  to  infer  that  this  watering-place  was  a  pond  in  1692,  and 
that  it  derived  its  name  from  the  adjacent  owner,  Wheeler.  But,  after  all, 
Sewall's  mode  of  describing  the  corners  of  his  house  by  such  very  distant 
landmarks  savors  of  magnificence  of  imagination.  — Eds. 

1  It  is  interesting  to  note  that  the  Common,  which  now  does  not  seem  to 
contain  even  a  pebble,  once  served  the  purpose  of  a  quarry  for  house  builders. 
—  Eds. 


1693.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  379 

Thorsday,  June  8.  Elisabeth  Emerson  of  Havarill  and 
a  Negro  Woman  were  executed  after  Lecture,  for  murder- 
ing their  Infant  Children.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  preached 
from  Job,  36.  14  :  made  a  very  good  Sermon  to  a  very 
great  Auditory.  Mr.  Danforth  labours  to  bring  Mr.  Mather 
and  Cook  together,  but  I  think  in  vain.^  Is  great  wrath 
about  Mr.  Cook's  being  refused,  and  'tis  supposed  Mr. 
Mather  is  the  cause. 

June  9.  Mr.  Rawson,  quondam  Secretary,  breaks  his 
Fast  with  us. 

Monday,  June  12,  1693.  I  visit  Capt.  Alden  and  his 
wife,  and  tell  them  I  was  sorry  for  their  Sorrow  and 
Temptations  by  reason  of  his  Imprisonment,  and  that  was 
glad  of  his  Restauration. 

June  13.  Several  of  the  Frigots  come  up  above  Long- 
Island.  Sir  Francis  [Wheeler]  came  to  Noddle's-Island 
yesterday. 

Tuesday,  June  20.    John  Barnard  lays  our  Cellar  Floor. 

Friday,  June  23.  Sir  Francis  and  several  other  Capts. 
of  Frigotts  are  Treated  at  Cambridge  by  the  Governour 
and  Praesident. 

Monday,  June  26.  The  Brick- Work  is  begun;  the 
South-end  of  the  house  being  carried  up  several  foot 
high. 

1  Dr.  Elisha  Cooke  had  been  elected  a  member  of  the  Council  at  this 
time,  but  was  negatived.  The  quarrel  between  him  and  Mather  was  politi- 
cal, as  well  as  personal.  After  the  overthrow  of  Andros,  the  General  Court 
sent  over  two  of  its  members,  viz.,  Elisha  Cooke  and  Thomas  Oakes,  to  act 
as  agents  of  the  Colony  with  Mather  and  Sir  Henry  Ashurst.  Plymouth 
Colony  sent  at  the  same  time  Rev.  Ichabod  AViswall.  All  three,  especially 
Cooke,  were  zealous  for  the  revival  of  the  old  charter.  Mather  seems  to  have 
shown  the  most  worldly  wisdom,  and  to  have  secured  all  possible  advantages 
in  a  new  charter.  But  the  contest  among  the  agents  was  bitter.  Between 
them  the  prosecution  of  Andros  was  dropped,  and  hard  words  exchanged. 
(Andros  Tracts,  ii.,  xxiii.)  Cooke  was  not  named  in  the  list  of  Councillors, 
and  when  elected  in  1691  was  dropped.  He  was  elected  in  1694,  and  served 
annually  till  1703,  when  he  was  negatived  by  Dudley. 

His  son  Elisha  was  also  a  prominent  politician,  speaker,  and  councillor) 
and  died  1737.  —  Eds. 


380  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1693. 

Last  night  Tim-  Wadsworth's  man  dies  of  the  Fever  of 
the  Fleet,  as  is  supposed,  he  having  been  on  board  and  in 
the  Hold  of  some  ship.     Town  is  much  startled  at  it. 

Monday,  July  3,  1693.  Mrs.  Howchin  is  buried.  Bear- 
ers, Major  Richards,  Mr.  Cook,  Major  Hutchinson,  Sewall, 
Mr.  Addington,  E"?  Hutchinson. 

July  11,  1693.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  prays  at  the  open- 
ing of  the  Council.  Plentifull  Shower  of  Rain  after  much 
Drought. 

Before  diner,  Mr.  Danforth  and  I  go  in  to  the  Deputy's 
about  the  Bill  relating  to  the  Treasurer. 

Satterday,  July  15,  1693.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  prays  in 
[the  Council]  in  the  morn.  About  noon  Mr.  Willard 
prays,  the  Assembly-men  being  sent  for  in.  Presently 
after  the  Governour  stands  up  and  dissolvs  the  Assembly. 
Was  much  disgusted  about  the  old  Treasurer,  and  about 
the  not  passing  of  the  Bill  to  regulat  the  house  of  Repre- 
sentatives. 

July  15,  1693.  I  w^ent  to  Mr.  Goose,  and  told  him  his 
wife  could  not  conveniently  sit  any  longer  in  my  wives 
Pue,  and  therefore  desired  her  to  look  out  another  place. 

July  24.  Capt.  Turell  is  buried.  Mr.  Joseph  Dasset 
was  buried  yesterday,  being  much  lamented.     Jn""  Shove 

and Saxton  died  before,  all  of  the  Fleet-Fever,  as  is 

suposed  ;  besides  others.  The  Town  is  much  startled. 
Capt.  By  field  speaks  of  removing  his  wife  and  daughters 
to  Bristow.  One  of  the  Fleet- Women  dies  this  day,  July 
24,  1693,  at  David  Johnson's,  over  against  the  Town- 
house. 

July  25.     Three  Carpenters  die. 

July  26.  Dr.  Pemberton  dies.  Persons  are  generally 
under  much  consternation,  which  Mr.  Willard  takes  notice 
of  in  his  Prayer. 

July  27^.^  Preaches  excellently  from  —  Luke  12.  4.  Be 
ye  therefore  ready.  Caleb  Rawlings  falls  from  the  top  of 
the  Steeple  of  the  North  Church,  and  breaks  his  Leg,  Arm 


1093.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  381 

and  Neck.  Mr.  Tho.  Pemberton  buried.  This  day  we 
send  Joseph  to  Mr.  N.  Hobart's  to  Newton  :  He  rides  on 
the  Saddle  before  Hanah  Trowbridge,  who  guides  the 
Horse,  and  steadies  him. 

Friday,  Augt.  4^.^  1693.  The  Governour  sets  sail  for 
Pemaquid,  goes  off  at  Scarlet's  Wharf  about  8.  in  the 
Even,  with  Major  General,  Mr.  Addington,  Mr.  Foster. 
Capt.  Colton's  overtaking  the  enemy  who  did  the  Spoil 
at  Squabaog  July  27,  and  killing  5  or  6  of  them,  bringing 
back  2  Captives,  &c.  comes  to  our  hand  just  now  about. 

Sabbath,  Augt.  6*.^  at  6  P.M.  There  is  a  Eainbow  about 
South  South-East;  has  been  no  Rain.  Gov^  Bradstreet 
is  indispos'd,  and  goes  not  abroad  in  the  Afternoon. 

Sabbath,  Augt.  6,  1693.  Capt.  W^  Greenough  died 
about  4.  this  morn,  buried  about  nine  at  night.  Three 
Vollies  past  nine  at  night.  Neither  Major  General  nor 
Major  Hutchinson  in  Town.  Bright  Moon-shine.  This 
evening  I  hear  that  Mr.  Steward  of  Ipswich  is  dead. 

Monday,  Augt.  7.  About  4.  mane  I  go  for  the  Midwife ; 
About  4.  P.M.  My  Wife  is  brought  to  Bed  of  a  Daughter. 
Thanks  be  to  God.  This  day  Sarah  Noyes  a  young  wo- 
man of  about  21  years  dies.  Tis  very  cool  and  comfort- 
able wether  after  about  a  weeks  time  of  excessive  Heat. 
Clouds  gather  thick,  and  a  little  Rain  in  the  Evening. 

Wednesday,  Augt.  9.  There  falls  a  plentifull  Rain 
after  a  long  distressing  Drought.     Laus  Deo. 

Friday,  Augt.  11.  I  visit  Mr.  Thacher  of  Milton  who 
is  very  glad  to  see  me.  Sir  Flint  ^  conducts  me  whom  I 
met  on  the  Road. 

Monday,  Augt.  14.  Mrs.  Nowell  dies.  Samson  Waters, 
just  building  a  great  House,  Roof  up,  Moses  Draper,  a 
very  hopef  ull  young  man,  and  2  more. 

Augt.  15.     Tuesday.     Mrs.  Mary  Nowell  buried.     Mr. 

1  Probably  Henry  Flynt,  afterwards  tutor,  who  graduated  in  1693.  — 
Eds. 


382  DIARY    OF    SA3IUEL    SEWALL.  [1693. 

Cook,  Major  Hutchinson,  Sewall,  Allen,  Willard,  Baily, 
Bearers.     Was  laid  in  Mr.  Usher's  Tomb. 

Aiigt.  14.  The  plates  and  sumers  ^  of  the  lower  Chamber 
Floor  are  laid. 

Satterday,  Augt.  12.  Capt.  [and  Deacon]  Eliot  comes 
sick  from  Muddy-River. 

Wednesday,  Augt.  16.     Dyes  about  2.  at  night. 

Augt.  17.  Is  buried.  Major  Hutchinson,  Sewall,  Joy- 
liff,  Walley,  P.  Allen,  Bridgham,  Bearers.  Buried  in  the 
new  burying  place.  Tis  a  sudden  and  very  sore  Blow  to 
the  South  Church,  a  Loss  hardly  repaired.  On  the  Sab- 
bath, Mr.  Willard  being  in  before  me,  I  did  not  mind  D. 
Eliot's  absence,  and  wondered  I  heard  not  his  voice  begin- 
ning the  Ps.,  and  Capt.  Frary  waited  when  I  should  begin 
it.  We  shall  hardly  get  another  such  a  sweet  Singer  as 
we  have  lost.  He  was  one  of  the  most  Serviceable  Men 
in  Boston,  condescending  to  his  friends.  One  of  the  best 
and  most  respectfull  Friends  I  had  in  the  World.  Lord 
awaken  us.  Scarce  a  Man  was  so  universally  known  as 
He.  Dyed  in  the  61.  year  of  's  Age.  Was  one  of  the 
first  that  was  born  in  Boston. 

Satterday,  Augt.  19.  Governour  returns  from  Pema- 
quid,  and  Counsellors  all  in  good  health.  Concluded  a 
Peace  with  the  Indians  on  Friday,  Augt  11.  They  were 
very  desirous  of  a  Peace  and  professed  themselves  ready 
to  do  what  the  Governour  desired ;  have  sent  3  Hostages. 

Sabbath,  Augt.  20.  Mr.  Willard  propounds  a  Church 
Meeting  on  Friday  next  3.  P.M.  that  may  elect  a  Deacon 
or  two,  Capt.  Frary  not  being  able  to  officiat  at  the  Lord's 
Table,  which  we  are  invited  to  this  day  sennight. 

Augt.  21.  I  visit  Mr.  Torrey,  who  is  much  better,  and 
very  glad  to  see  me :  is  yet  very  weak.  Coming  home 
Deacon  Swift  tells  me  that  Mr.  Loyd  dyed  this  Afternoon. 
Visited  my  Unkle  and  Aunt.     Unkle  brought  me  going 

^  "  Summer.     The  main  beam  in  building." — Eds. 


1693.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  383 

till  came  into  Milton  bounds.  When  come  home,  find  the 
South-East  windoAvs  of  the  first  Chamber  set  up. 

Satterday,  Sept.  9.  I  return  from  Point- Judith,  having 
been  gon  from  home  ever  since  the  28.  of  August.  At 
my  return,  find  little  Jane  not  well. 

Sept.  12.  Call  Mr.  Willard  to  pray  with  little  Jane. 
Went  to  Ruxbury-Lecture,  Mr.  Hobart  came  home  with 
me,  who  also  pray'd  with  Jane ;  both  excellently.  By  Dr. 
Oakes  advice,  I  give  her  a  little  Maiia.  Methinks  she 
looks  like  Henry  in  his  Sickness.  The  good  Lord  pre- 
pare her  and  us  for  the  issue,  and  help  us  to  choose  the 
things  that  please  Him.     Nurse  Judd  watches. 

Sept.  13,  1693.  Between  12.  and  1.  at  night  following 
that  day.  Little  Jane  expires,  much  as  Henry  did,  in 
neighbour  Smith's  lap,  Nurse  Hill  and  I  being  by. 

Boston,  New  England. 

*1.  John  Sewall,  the  Son  of  Samuel  and  Hanah  Sewall,  was  born 
Apr.  2^  1677,  died  Sept.  11*.''  1678. 

2.  Samuel  Sewall,  was  born  June  11*.^  1678. 

3.  Hannah  Sewall,  was  born  Feb.  3^  16|f . 

4.  Elisabeth  Sewall,  was  born  Dec.  29*.?  1681. 

*5.  Hull  Sewall,  was  born  July  8*.?  1684.     Died  at  Newbury,  June 
18*  1686,  is  buried  there. 

*6.  Henry  Sewall,  was  born  Dec.  7*^  1685.     Died  Dec.  22^  1685. 
*7.  Stephen  Sewall,  was  born  Jan.  30*'»  168f .    Died  July  26*  1687. 

8.  Joseph  Sewall,  was  born  Aug.  15*  1688. 
♦9.  Judith  Sewall,  was  born  Aug.  13*  1690.    Died  Sept.  2l!.*  1690. 
10.  Mary  Sewall,  was  born  Oct.  28*  1691. 
♦11.  Jane  Sewall,  was  born  Aug.  7*  1693.     Died  Sept.  13*  1693. 

All  the  above-named  Eleven  Children  have  been  by  their  father, 
Samuel  Sewall,  (holding  them  in  his  arms,)  Offered  up  to  God  in 
Baptisme,  at  the  South-Meeting-House  in  Boston.  The  Rev?  Mr. 
Thomas  Thacher  baptised  John  and  Samuel ;  and  the  Rev?  Mr. 
Samuel  Willard  baptised  the  other  Nine,  upon  the  Sabbath  Day  in 
the  Solemn  Assembly  of  God's  Saints. 

1.  John  Sewall  was  baptised  Apr.  8,  1677. 

2.  Samuel  Sewall  was  baptised  on  the  Lord's  Day,  June  16, 16781 


384  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1693. 

3.  Hannah  Sewall  was  baptised  Feb.  8,  16||. 

4.  Elisabeth  Sewall  was  baptised  Jan.  1,  168^. 

5.  Hull  Sewall  was  baptised  July  13,  1684. 

6.  Henry  Sewall  was  baptised  Dec.  13,  1685. 

7.  Stephen  Sewall  was  baptised  Feb.  6,  168f. 

8.  Joseph  Sewall  was  baptised  Aug.  19,  1688. 

9.  Judith  Sewall  was  baptised  Aug.  24,  1690. 

10.  Mary  Sewall  was  baptised  Xov.  1,  1691. 

11.  Jane  Sewall  was  baptised  Aug.  13,  1693.^ 

Sept.  15,  1693.  The  body  of  Jane  Sewall  was  laid  in 
the  Tomb,  between  4.  and  5.  P.M.  John  Willard  carried 
the  Corps.  Lord  teach  me  to  profit.  I  led  my  wife  ; 
Cous.  Dumer,  Mother  ;  Sam.  his  Sister ;  Jane,  Elisabeth  ; 

Sept.  25.     Mr.  W^  Winthrop  dies  of  the  bloody  Flux. 

Sept.  27.  Mr.  Joseph  Winthrop  dies  of  the  same  dis- 
ease.    Two  children  of  Major  Winthrop. 

Sept.  28.  Both  are  buried  together,  being  a  very 
affecting  sight.  Ministers  and  Physicians  had  all  Scarvs 
and  Gloves,  and  many  others. 

Oct.  5,  1693.  By  Warrant  from  the  Major,  the  South- 
Company  is  warned  to  Train  on  Monday  and  Tuesday 
next ;  words  run,  late  under  the  Comand  of  Capt.  Samuel 
Sewall.     John  Mary  on  warned. 

Oct.  7*^  Mr.  Cotton  Mather's  Daughter  Maria,  of  about 
2  years  old,  is  buried  in  the  North  burying  Place ;  Mr. 


1  111  the  memorandum  book  kept  by  Samuel  Sewall,  jr. ,  son  of  the  Chief 
Justice,  we  find  the  above  lists  copied,  but  with  the  following  additions:  — 

"  12     Sarah  born  Wednesday  Nov.  21.  1694.     bapt.  25th  by  Mr.  Willard 

13  (still  born  child)  May  21,  1696. 

14  Judith  born  Friday  Jan'y  2,  1701-2,     bapt.  4th  by  Mr.  Pemberton  " 

And  also  the  following  items :  — 

"  No  3,  Hannah  died  August  16,  1724 
4   Elizabeth  „    July  11,  1716 
10   Mary         „    Nov.  17,  1710 
14  Judith  married  to  Mr.  W»  Cooper,  1720,  died  Dec.  23,  1740." 

We  also  find  recorded  in  the  same  book  that  No.  2,  Samuel  Sewall,  jr., 
died  Feb.  27,  1750-1,  in  his  73d  year.  —  Eds. 


1693.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  385 

Pierpont,  Willard,  Jer.  Allen,  Winthrop,  Bearers.  Died 
on  Thorsday  night  or  Friday  morn. 

Oct.  7^}  1693.     Mr.  Robert  Saimderson  dies. 

Oct.  11*.^  Carried  my  daughter  Hanah  to  Salem  in 
Company  of  Mr.  Hathorne  and  Sam.  Wakefield;  got 
thether  about  8.  at  night. 

Oct.  12.  Carried  her  to  Rowley,  W?^  Longfellow  rid 
before  her ;  I  staid  Lecture  at  Ipswich,  where  unexpect- 
edly heard  Mr.  Edward  Tomson  preach  a  very  good  Ser- 
mon from  Felix's  procrastination. 

Oct.  13.  Rid  home,  having  much  adoe  to  pacify  my 
dear  daughter,  she  weeping  and  pleading  to  go  with 
me. 

Wednesday,  Oct.  18.  Jn*^  Barnard  raises  the  Roof  of 
the  brick  House,  no  hurt  done,  through  God's  goodness. 

This  day,  Mrs.  Hunt,  Mr.  Torrey's  Sister,  is  buried. 
Alass !  that  it  should  be  so. 

Friday,  Oct.  20.  The  Ship  at  Bull's  Wharf  of  Four 
Hundred  Tuns,  named  the  Lere-Frigot  was  Lanched. 
Yesterday's  Storm  hindered  her  being  Lanched  then. 
Mr.  Eyre's  child  buried  this  Afternoon. 

Monday,  Oct.  30*^.  I  ride  to  Newton  to  see  Sam  and 
Joseph. 

Tuesday,  Nov.  21,  1693.  Our  House  is  covered  and 
defended  against  the  wether. 

Nov.  24.     The  first  Snow  falls. 

Nota.  Nov.  21.  Governour  bids  the  Deputies  goe 
chuse  a  new  Speaker  ;  which  they  pray  excuse  for.  Gov- 
ernour alledges  as  a  reason.  Speaker's  adjourning  their 
House  from  Friday  till  this  day  without  acquainting  Him. 
By  mediation  the  matter  is  compos'd,  and  Wednesday 
morn,  the  Governour  sends  to  them  by  the  Secretary,  to 
desire  them  to  go  on  with  the  business  of  the  Court.  Mr. 
Secretary  is  directed  to  enter  their  Acknowledgment  of 
their  Error,  and  asking  Pardon,  and  that  would  not  prac- 
tise in  like  manner  for  time  to  come. 

25 


386  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1G93. 

Nov.  25.  Representatives  vote  that  none  be  chosen 
Representatives  but  persons  resident  in  the  Towns  for 
which  they  are  chosen,  and  having  Free-Hold  there,  &c.^ 

Tuesday,  Nov.  28,  1693.  The  Bill  for  regulating  the 
choice  of  Representatives  was  brought  in  with  the  clause 
relating  to  Residency  of  the  Persons  to  be  chosen,  in  the 
Towns  they  are  chosen  for.  The  Dissent  also  of  21  Depu- 
ties was  brought  in  with  it,  alledging  the  vote  was  con- 
trary to  Charter,  Custom  of  England,  of  the  Province, 
hindred  men  of  the  fairest  estates  from  Representing  a 
Town  where  their  Estates  lay,  except  also  resident ;  might 
prove  destructive  to  the  Province.  Persons  subscribing, 
Nathan'  Byiield,  Benj-  Davis,  Francis  Foxcroft,  Pen  Town- 
send,  Daniel  Allin,  Ricliard  Sprague,  Jahleel  Brenton, 
Tim-  Clark,  Stephen  Pain,  Ebenezer  Brenton,  Joseph 
Brown,  Jonathan  Prescot,  John  Brown,  Giles  Dyer,  Isaac 
Little,  John  Cutler,  Tim-  Thornton,  John  Legg,  Sam^ 
Blocket,  Stephen  Francis,  Ebenezer  Prout.  The  clause 
was  read,  and  the  Dissent  2  or  3  times  by  the  Secretary, 
and  then  put  to  the  Vote,  Governour  not  being  there. 

1  This  act  is  duly  reprinted  in  our  Province  Laws.  Hutchinson  (Hist., 
II.  70)  writes  as  follows:  "  The  party  in  favor  of  the  address  "  (to  keep 
Phips  in  office),  "to  prevent  further  trouble,  if  there  should  be  further  occa- 
sion for  any  thing  to  be  done  in  favor  of  the  governor,  brought  into  a  bill, 
which  was  then  before  the  house,  a  clause  restraining  towns  from  chusing  any 
person  to  represent  them  in  the  General  Court,  other  than  freeholders  and 
residents  within  such  towns.  This  provision  is  generally  looked  upon  as  a 
privilege,  and  a  point  gained  by  the  people;  but  it  certainly  was  occasioned 
by  what  is  commonly  called  the  prerogative  party  in  government,  and,  how- 
ever salutary,  was  designed  as  an  abridgment  of  liberty." 

It  is  interesting  to  note  that  this  popular  error  is  of  so  ancient  a  date. 
Perhaps  no  other  detail  in  our  form  of  government  has  had  so  extensive  and 
so  pernicious  an  influence  as  this  restriction  of  offices  to  persons  inhabiting 
the  districts  to  be  represented.  And  as  it  is  also  a  restriction  upon  the 
powers  of  the  electors,  as  contracting  the  limits  within  which  they  can  choose 
their  public  servants,  it  is  strange  that  the  great  mass  of  electors  are  so  per- 
sistently cajoled  by  the  few  local  aspirants  for  office. 

We  observe  that  Sewall  voted  for  the  proposed  bill,  although  he  had  been 
a  representative  himself  for  a  town  in  which  he  was  not  a  resident;  viz.,  foi 
Westfield  in  1683.     See  ante,  p.  57.  —  Eds. 


I 


1693.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  387 

Content,  JVbt  Content 

1.  Thomas  Danforth.  W™  Stoughton,  Lt.  Govl 

2.  John  Richards.  Bartholomew  Gedney. 

3.  Wait  Winthrop.  John  Walley. 

4.  James  Russell.  Isaac  Addington 

5.  John  Hathorne.  Peter  Sergeant. 

6.  Samuel  Sewall.  Samuel  Donel. 

7.  Jonathan  Corwin.  NathanI  Thomas. 

8.  John  Foster.  Charles  Frost. 

9.  Daniel  Pierce. 

Governour  came  in  presently  after  had  done  voting. 

Ordination. 

Wednesday,  Nov.  29.  Eode  to  Dedham  and  saw  Mr. 
Joseph  Belchar  Ordained.  He  preached  very  well  from 
Exod.  4.  12.  Mr.  Neh.  Hobart  ask'd  the  Objections ; 
Mr.  Sam!  Torrey  Solemnly  prayed  and  gave  the  Charge, 
Mr.  N.  Hobart  and  Mr.  Jn""  Danforth  joining  in  laying  on 
of  Hands.  Mr.  Moses  Fisk  gave  the  right  Hand  of  Fel- 
lowship. 118.  Psalm  sung  from  the  25*.!'  v.  to  the  end ; 
St.  David's  Tune. 

Tuesday,  Dec.  12,  1693.  Rode  to  Salem  with  Lieut. 
Governour  and  Mr.  Danforth,  issu'd  the  Court  on  Wednes- 
day. Thorsday  a  great  Storm  of  Rain :  so  stay'd  there 
still.  Din'd  at  Brother's.  Were  there  in  Company  after- 
ward, Lieut.  Governour,  Mr.  Danforth,  Noyes,  Gedney, 
Major  Brown,  Hathorne,  Capt.  Higginson,  Mr.  Leverett, 
Paul  Dudley,  Mr.  Newton,  Sewall,  Sam,  Stephen.  Supped 
at  Major  Brown's  ;  Sung  the  122.  Ps.  &c. 

Dec.  15.     Yery  pleasant  wether,  came  home. 

Dec.  20.  Mr.  Barthol.  Chever  is  buried.  Capt.  Culli- 
mer  and  5  others  drown'd  coming  from  Scituat  last  Satter- 
day  in  a  Boat.  A  Briganteen  cast  away  on  Tinkers  Island, 
about  6  drowned,  among  which  an  only  son  sent  by  his 
father  from  Nevis.  There  is  a  great  Snow  on  the  ground, 
most  of  it  fallen  within  these  7  days. 


388  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [169|. 

Dec.  21.  Publick  Thanksgiving,  very  moderat  Comfort- 
able Wether. 

Dec.  22.     Judge  How  dies  who  came  from  Barbados. 

Dec.  23.     Governour  sails  Eastward. 

Dec.  27,  1693.  Went  to  the  Funeral  of  Judge  How, 
being  invited.  Went  back  at  the  Gate,  and  proceeded  not 
to  hear  the  Sermon.  Mr.  Addington,  Foster,  Walley,  Wil- 
liams went  with  Mr.  Sergeant  to  his  House. 

Dec.  28^:^  Mr.  Ward  of  Havarill  is  buried.  87  years 
old. 

Friday,  Jan.  5*.^.  Being  in  the  chamber  of  the  new 
House  next  Tiler's,  I  fell  down,  and  razed  off  the  skin  of 
my  right  Legg  upon  the  shin  bone,  putting  my  self  to 
much  pain  ;  I  was  fain  to  fall  across  the  Joysts,  to  prevent 
falling  through,  which  I  was  in  great  danger  of. 

Satterday,  Jan.  13,  16  Of.  The  Floor  of  the  lower 
Chamber  towards  the  North-East,  is  laid  ;  I  drove  a  Nail. 

Monday,  Jan.  15,  and  Jan.  16,  the  Floor  of  the  Hall- 
Chamber  is  laid.  The  Ice  is  clear  gon  out  of  the  Docks 
as  in  March. 

Jan.  17.  The  Governour  and  Major  Phillips  return, 
and  come  to  Town  by  Land  from  Salem,  having  been  gon 
near  a  Moneth.  This  day  John  Mountford  marries  Mr. 
Bridgham's  wives  Daughter. 

Jan.  19,  169f.  Kitchen  floor  is  finished.  This  day 
Mrs.  Prout  dies  after  sore  conflicts  of  mind,  not  without 
suspicion  of  Witchcraft. 

Satterday,  Jan.  27.     The  Hall  Floor  is  finished. 

Jan.  30,  169f .  The  Kitchin  Casements  are  Glazed  and 
set  up. 

Wednesday,  Feb.  7.  Major  Townsend  has  a  Daughter 
still-born  and  buried  this  day.  Richard  Cornish  is  buried 
this  week. 

Friday,  Feb.  23,  169f .  Council  Day  for  chusing  Comis- 
sioners  for  the  Chancery.  In  the  Afternoon  chose  Mr. 
Stoughton,  17.  Votes,  Mr.  Winthrop  16,  Major  Richards 


1694.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  389 

13,  Danforth  7.  One  and  Twenty  present.  Lieut.  Gov- 
ernour  declares  his  Non-acceptance.  Governour  adjourns 
the  Council  till  morning  for  Consideration. 

This  day  Henry  Ems  the  Baker  has  his  name  put  into 
a  Comission  to  be  a  Messenger  to  the  Representatives 
when  sitting,  and  Comission  deliver'd  to  him  in  the  Council- 
Chamber. 

Satterday,  Feb.  24,  169|.  Mrs.  Margaret  Thacher, 
widow,  dies.  This  day  our  Stairs  in  the  new  House  are 
finished. 

Wednesday,  March  7,  16 9|.  I  went  to  Mr.  Cook's  and 
offered  him  £100.  for  his  old  Debt  relating  to  Capt.  Win- 
coll,  as  1  had  offer'd,  before  I  went  to  England.  Had 
lately  promis'd  Mrs.  Cook  to  make  her  some  offer  before 
the  end  of  winter. 

Monday,  March  12,  169|.  Waited  on  the  Chief  Justice 
and  Mr.  Danforth  to  PHmouth. 

Thorsday,  March  15.  Came  home;  good  wether  all 
four  days. 

Friday,  16.     A  great  Snow  falls. 

March  27,  1694.  Governour,  Mr.  Danforth,  Winthrop, 
Russell,  Sewall,  Addington,  Foster,  Sergeant,  Walley,  Lieut. 
Alford,  Goodwin,  Mason,  and  Atkins,  Carpenter,  went  to 
the  Castle  to  view  the  works  in  order  to  Reparation.  Mr. 
Secretary  read  there  the  dialogue  between  Whig  and  To- 
rey,^  while  it  rained.  As  came  up,  Capt.  Clark  saluted  us 
with  3  Huzas  and  Guns  from  his  Briganteen. 

April  2,  1694.  Monday.  Artillery  Training ;  Bastian 
and  I  set  seeds  of  White-Thorn  at  Saunders's  Pasture,  north 
end.  In  the  Afternoon,  all  the  Town  is  filled  with  the 
discourse  of  Major  Richards's  Death,  which  was  very  ex- 
traordinarily suddain ;  was  abroad  on  the  Sabbath,  din'd 


1  "  A  dialogue  between  Whig  and  Tory,  alias  Willi amite  and  Jacobite," 
4to,  1693.  It  is  mentioned  in  the  twenty-second  chapter  of  Macaulay's  H53- 
tory  of  England.  —  Eds. 


390  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1694. 

very  well  on  Monday,  and  after  that  falling  into  an  angry 
passion  with  his  Servant  Richard  Frame,  presently  after, 
fell  probably  into  a  Fit  of  Apoplexy,  and  died.  On  Tues- 
day night  was  opened  and  no  cause  found  of  his  death  ; 
noble  Parts  being  fair  and  sound. 

Friday,  April  6.  Major  Richards  is  buried  in  his  Tomb 
in  the  North  Burying  Place  ;  Companyes  in  Arms  attend- 
ing the  Funeral.  Bearers,  Stoughton  Danforth  ;  Russell, 
Brown  ;  Sewall,  Adding  ton  ;  Major  General  and  Mr.  Foster 
led  the  Widow.  Mr.  Torrey  was  not  there  because  'twas 
Friday.  Coffin  was  covered  with  Cloth.  In  the  Tomb 
were  fain  to  nail  a  Board  across  the  Coffins  and  then  a 
board  standing  right  up  from  that,  bearing  against  the  top 
of  the  Tomb,  to  prevent  their  floating  up  and  down ;  saw- 
ing and  fitting  this  board  made  some  inconvenient  Tarri- 
ance. 

Apr.  26.     Major  Brown  marries  Mrs.  Rebecka  Bayly. 

Tuesday,  May  1.     Mr. Woolcot  marries  Mrs. 

Freak. 

Wednesday,  May  2.  Major  Brown  has  home  his  Bride ; 
I  went  as  far  as  Bride-Brook  and  then  returned ;  many 
Salem  Gentlemen  being  come  to  meet  Him  ;  though  would 
have  been  many  more  but  that  the  day  was  doubtfull  and 
prov'd  very  rainy.  I  came  over  the  ferry  with  Capt.  Legg 
of  Marblehead,  his  Son  and  Daughter  Brattle,  &c :  had  a 
very  fair  wind,  but  great  rain.  Visited  Hanah  Hett,  now 
Parkman,  and  went  to  the  Funeral  of  Hezekia  Henchman, 
who  died  yesterday  ;  was  a  Jury-man  at  the  last  Superiour 
Court.  N.  As  went  over  in  the  ferry-Boat  my  Horse 
kick'd  my  knee  and  put  me  to  considerable  pain.  Brother 
tells  me  Sister  fears  she  shall  have  the  Dry  Belly-Ache. 

May  30.     Election. 

July  4,  1694.  Waited  on  the  Governour  to  the  Com- 
encement.  In  the  forenoon  Exercise,  Mr.  Coleman  brings 
news  of  the  Arrival  of  Eldridge  and  that  Bennet  parted 
from  him  about  a  week  ago.     Mr.  Secretary  said  that  the 


1G91.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEW  ALL.  391 

Packet  relating  to  the  Governour  are  in  him.  After  com- 
ing from  the  Governour  at  night,  Mr.  Sam!  Gaskill,  our 
neighbour's,  coming  home  is  told  me,  comes  in  Benet; 
came  up  from  Nantasket  about  8.  or  9.  at  night. 

July  5.  Mr.  Gaskill  tells  me  that  orders  for  the  Gov- 
ernour's  going  to  England  are  sent  in  the  Ship  by  Mr. 
Maxfield,  a  Scotchman,  who,  he  suposes  deliver'd  the 
Governour's  Packet  last  night.  Said  Maxfield  gave  a 
receipt  for  them  at  London. 

July  16,  1694.  Town-Meeting  at  Boston.  Chose  As- 
sessors, Capt.  Foster  and  I  gave  them  their  Oathes.  Brother 
brings  Betty  to  Town. 

Wednesday,  July  18,  1694.  Oyster-Kiver  is  surprised 
and  90  odd  persons  kill'd  and  captivated,  13  Houses  burnd, 
much  Cattel  killed  and  Corn  stroy'd. 

Friday,  July  27.  Groton  set  upon  by  the  Indians,  21 
persons  kill'd,  13  captivated,  3  badly  wounded.  About  9. 
night,  Mr.  Lodowick  comes  to  Boston.  Betw^een  10.  and 
11.  there  is  an  Alarm  through  the  Town  kept  up  till  near 
day-break.  Mr.  Brattle  was  arriv'd  at  Col.  Shrimpton's, 
there  he  told  me  of  Mr.  Lodowicks  unhappiness  in  coming 
just  then.  During  the  Alarm,  Mr.  Willard's  little  daugh- 
ter Sarah  dies,  buried  on  Sabbath-day  a  little  before  Sunset. 

Augt.  6,  1694.  Set  out  with  Major  Townsend  for  Al- 
bany.    Return  Augt.  31. 

Oct.  5,  1694.  Mr.  Willard,  Mrs.  Willard,  Mrs.  Noyes, 
Haiiah  and  Joseph  ride  in  the  Coach  to  Newton,  to  visit 
Mr.  Hobart ;  Sam.  and  I  goe  on  Horsback.  This  day  Mr. 
Oakes's  Urian  is  buried ;  and  Cous.  Mary  Dumer  dies 
about  break  of  day. 

Fifth  Day,  Oct.  11, 1694.  I  have  Sam.  to  Michael  Perry 
to  live  with  him  upon  Trial.  Mr.  Torrey  prayed  earnestly 
for  him  at  my  desire  ;  went  a  little  before  eleven  aclock. 

Fourth-day,  Oct.  17,  1694.  Mrs.  Margaret  Shepard, 
Sam.  Phillips's  Son,  and  Mrs.  Elisa.  Pole  dye. 

Oct.  19.     Mrs.  Pole  buried.     Bearers,  Mr.  Cook,  Sewall, 


892  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1694. 

Addington,  Oakes.  Byfield,  Oliver.     Was  laid  in  the  old 
burying  place. 

Oct.  20.  This  week  the  upper  Floors  are  laid  with 
boards  that  had  only  this  Summer's  seasoning. 

Oct.  22,  1694.  Capt.  John  Wincoll  mounting  his  Horse 
to  ride  with  Major  Hook  and  others,  from  Newitchewan- 
nock  to  the  Point,  falls  off  his  Horse  ;  in  falling  cries, 
Lord  have  mercy  upon  me,  and  dies  imediately. 

Oct.  24.  .  Sending  an  Agent  from  hence  voted  in  the 
negative  by  the  Council. 

Sabbath,  Oct.  28,  1694.  There  is  a  very  High  boister- 
ous and  cold  Norwest  Wind,  my  dear  Mother  Hull  for  fear 
the  wind  should  bear  her  down,  does  not  put  on  her  Cloak  : 
but  wears  two  Scarvs  and  so  catches  cold  ;  however,  grows 
indispos'd  so  that  cafiot  eat  nor  sleep  ;  kept  from  the  Cate- 
chising and  Lecture.  I  left  word  with  Mr.  Oliver  that 
mother  desired  his  Brother  to  come  and  see  her,  which 
he  did  Nov.  1.  and  left  directions.  Mr.  Moodey  prays 
with  her. 

Nov.  1,  1694.  Capt.  Dobbins  refusing  to  give  Bail,  the 
Sheriff  was  taking  him  to  Prison,  and  Sir  William  Phips 
rescued  him,  and  told  the  Sheriff  He  would  send  him,  the 
Sheriff,  to  prison,  if  he  touch'd  him,  which  occasioned  very 
warm  discourse  between  Him  and  the  Lieut.  Governour. 

Nov.  2  Mr.  Willard  visits  her  [Mrs.  Hull  ]  and  prays  ; 
speaks  to  her  to  be  very  carefull  lest  should  have  a  sore 
fit  of  sickness. 

Nov.  3,  1694.  1.  past  m.  Mr.  Willard  prays  and  the 
Governour  adjourns  the  General  Court  to  the  last  Wednes- 
day in  February  next,  P.M.  Several  of  the  Council  de- 
sired a  dissolution,  lest  some  Emergency  should  require 
the  Calling  of  an  Assembly,  and  this  Adjournment  bind 
our  hands ;  but  the  Governour  would  not  hearken  to  it. 
Onset  of  the  Enemy,  Packets  from  England,  were  men- 
tion'd.  Before  the  Adjournment,  Governour  expostulated 
with  the  Speaker  about  copying  out  and  dispersing  a  Letter 


t 


1694.]  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  393 

of  Sir  H.  Ashurst's  ;  then  said,  This  Court  is  dissolv'd  to 
such  a  time  :  being  put  in  mind  of  his  mistake,  said,  I 
mean  Adjourn'd. 

Wednesday,  Nov.  7.  First  day  of  the  Court's  meeting 
tliis  week,  Capt.  Dobbins  is  call'd.  He  utterly  refuseth  to 
give  Bail,  confesseth  himself  to  be  in  the  Sheritf's  Custody  . 
Between  the  Sheriff  and  Keeper  is  carried  to  Goal,  which 
makes  great  Wrath.  He  pleaded  Justification  for  it,  pro- 
duced two  Warrants  under  the  Governour's  Hand  and 
Seal,  and  an  Act  of  Parliament :   Court  adviseth. 

Sixth-day,  Nov.  9,  1694.  Lieut.  Governour  and  Coun- 
cil dine  at  James  Meers's  ;  The  Treat  was  intended  for 
the  Governour;  but  is  so  offended  at  Capt.  Dobbins  Im- 
prisonment, that  He  comes  not,  nor  Mr.  Mather  the  Father, 
nor  Son,  nor  Capt.  Foster ;  so  chair  at  the  uper  end  of  the 
Table  stands  empty.  Note.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  was  sick 
of  a  grievous  pain  in  his  face,  else  He  had  been  there,  as 
He  told  me  afterward. 

Fifth-dav,  Nov.  15^.^.  Is  a  Council  at  the  Governour's 
House  about  taking  Mr.  Jackson's  Affidavits ;  defer  it  till 
after  Lecture  that  Capt.  Byfield  may  have  notice  to  be 
there. 

Mr.  Walter  preaches  a  very  good  Sermon  from  Ps.  73. 
27.  They  that  are  far  from  Thee  shall  perish  :  shewd  the 
misery  of  the  unregenerat :  and  Hapiness  of  Believers,  by 
reason  of  their  manifold  Nearness  to  God.  Governour  did 
not  go  to  Lecture.  After  Lecture  was  much  debate  at  the 
Townhouse,  and  at  last  Mr.  Jackson's  Affidavits  were  all 
read  over,  and  his  Oath  given  him  by  the  Lieut.  Govern- 
our and  Council. 

Seventh-day,  Nov.  17*?  1694.  Just  about  Sunset  or  a 
little  after,  the  Governour  goes  from  his  House  to  the 
Salutation  Stairs,  and  there  goes  on  board  his  Yatcht; 
Lieut.  Governour,  many  of  the  Council,  Mr.  Cotton  Ma- 
ther, Capts.  of  Frigatts,  Justices  and  many  other  Gentle- 
men accompanying  him.     'Twas  six  aclock  by  that  time  I 


394  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1694. 

got  home,  and  I  only  staid  to  see  them  come  to  sail.  Guns 
at  the  Castle  were  fired  about  seven :  Governour  had  his 
Flagg  in  main  Top.  Note.  Twas  of  a  seventh  day  in  the 
even  when  the  Governour  came  to  Town,  and  so  tis  at 
his  going  off,  both  in  darkness :  and  uncomfortable,  be- 
cause of  the  Sabbath.^ 

Nov.  20,  1694.  The  Dial  is  set  up  at  the  South- West 
end  of  the  house.     Mr.  Torrey  lodges  here. 

Nov.  21.  My  wife  grew  so  ill  that  I  got  up  between 
three  and  four  in  the  morn.  Call  Mrs.  Weeden ;  proves 
a  rainy  day. 

Nov.  21,  1694.  My  wife  is  brought  to  bed  of  a  Daugh- 
ter between  9.  and  10.  of  the  Clock  in  the  morn.  Mr. 
Torrey  prayd  with  Mother  and  me  in  the  Kitchen  of  the 
new  house  for  that  mercy ;  Mother  desiring  Him,  saying 
that  my  wife  was  in  great  and  more  than  ordinary  Ex- 
tremity, so  that  she  was  not  able  to  endure  the  Chamber  : 
I  went  also  to  acquaint  Mr.  Willard,  and  as  I  came  back, 
I  met  Mrs.  Perce,  who  wish'd  me  joy  of  my  Daughter,  as 
came  in  at  the  Gate.  Mr.  Torrey  was  prevail' d  with  to 
go  into  Chamber  and  Eeturn  Thanks  to  God.  Women 
din'd  with  rost  Beef  and  minc'd  Pyes,  good  Cheese  and 
Tarts.     Grows  to  a  very  great  Storm. 

Nov.  22.  I  put  up  a  Bill  for  to  Thank  God  for  deliver- 
ing my  wife  in  childbearing ;  there  was  no  other.  Mr. 
Cotton  Mather  preached  from  Isa.  32.  2.  taking  occasion 

1  Hutchinson  (Hist. ,  II.  75-79)  gives  quite  a  sketch  of  the  closing  months 
of  Phips's  administration.  The  Governor  became  involved  in  various  per- 
sonal disputes,  arising  partly  from  his  interpretation  of  his  official  powers, 
partly  from  his  character.  "  He  was  of  a  benevolent,  friendly  disposition; 
at  the  same  time  quick  and  passionate." 

One  quarrel  was  with  Captain  Short,  of  the  "  Nonesuch  "  frigate,  whom 
he  at  last  caned  in  the  street.  Finally,  he  was  ordered  to  leave  his  govern- 
ment, and  to  answer  in  England  the  complaints  made  against  him.  On  his 
arrival  in  London,  he  was  sued  by  Dudley  and  Brenton  for  £20,000.  Sir 
Henry  Ashurst  bailed  him,  but  he  laid  his  arrest  so  much  to  heart  that  it 
was  supposed  to  have  brought  upon  him  or  increased  the  sickness  of  which 
he  died,  the  18th  of  February,  16&4-5.  —  Eds. 


1694.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL   SEWALL.  395 

from  the  Storm.  Lieut.  Governour  not  at  Meeting.  Mr. 
Torrey  and  Fisk  lodge  here. 

Nov.  23.  They  go  home,  though  the  wether  is  still 
cloudy,  drisley  and  uncomfortable. 

Sabbath,  Nov.  25,  1694.  I  named  my  httle  Daughter 
Sarah,  Mr.  Willard  baptiz'd  her.  Lydia  Cornish,  and  Jo- 
seph Scot  were  baptiz'd  at  the  same  time.  Mr.  Torrey 
said,  call  her  Sarah  and  make  a  Madam  of  her.^  I  was 
strugling  w^h ether  to  call  her  Sarah  or  Mehetabel ;  but 
when  I  saw  Sarah's  standing  in  the  Scripture,  viz  :  Peter, 
Galatians,  Hebrews,  Komans,  I  resolv'd  on  that  side.  Also 
Mother  Sewall  had  a  sister  Sarah  ;  and  none  of  my  sisters 
of  that  name. 

Dec.  4,  1694.  Lieut.  Governour  calls  at 's  entrance  into 
the  Town ;  I  told  him  I  had  spoken  to  Mr.  Willard  to 
pray  ;  tells  me  of  his  intended  Treat  at  Mr.  Coopers,  and 
enquires  whom  He  had  best  to  invite.  Between  2.  and 
3.  P.M.  we  meet  at  Mr.  Secretaries,  from  thence  go  to  the 
Townhouse  ;  viz.  Lieut.  Governour,  Mr.  Danforth,  Gedney, 
Russel,  Cook,  Phillips,  Brown,  Hathorne,  Addington,  Sew- 
all,  Lynde,  Hook,  Sergeant.  Mr.  Willard  prayed.  Then 
Lieut.  Governour  made  a  brave  Speech  upon  the  occasion 
of  the  Government's  being  fallen  on  Him.^  After  this. 
Col.  Hutchinson  came  in  and  made  13. 

After  twas  debated,  and  several  Acts  of  Parliament 
view'd,  gave  the  Lieut.  Governor  an  Oath  for  his  due 
Execution  of  the  Acts  referring  to  Navigation,  so  far  as 
they  concern  the  Plantations.  Voted  a  Letter  to  be  sent 
to  the  Government  of  Rode-Island  that  they  would  dis- 

1  Sarah,  in  Hebrew,  means  "lady,"  "mistress,"  or  "dame."  —  Eds. 

2  The  Lieutenant-Governor  was  William  Stoughton,  who  succeeded  on  the 
departure  of  Phips,  Nov.  17,  1694,  and  acted  as  Governor  until  the  arrival 
of  the  Earl  of  Bellomont,  May  26,  1699.  AVhen  Lord  Bellomont  went  to 
Xew  York,  in  May,  1700,  Stoughton  was  again  acting  Governor,  and  so  con- 
tinued until  his  death,  July  7,  1701.  The  Council  then  became  the  supreme 
power  in  the  Colony,  acting  until  the  arrival  of  Governor  Joseph  Dudley, 
June  11,  1702.  — Eds. 


396  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1694. 

countenance  Capt.  Tu's  proceedings.  Voted  Capt.  Ham- 
ond,  of  Kittery,  Register  and  Clerk  in  the  room  of  Capt. 
Wincoll,  deceased  ;  at  the  Instance  of  Major  Hook.  Lieut. 
Governour  invites,  and  we  go  to  Mr.  Cooper's,  where  a 
Splendid  Treat  is  provided,  most  cold  meat.  Councillors, 
Ministers,  Justices  there,  and  Col.  Shrimpton,  Mr.  E"" 
Hutchinson,  &c.  Mr.  Increase  Mather  Crav'd  a  Blessing; 
Mr.  Willard  return'd  Thanks. 

I  mov'd  Mr.  Willard  and  Mr.  Cotton  Mather,  that,  see- 
ing the  Old  and  South  Church  fell  short  in  their  singing 
on  the  Thanksgiving-day,  might  make  it  up  now,  if  they 
saw  meet :  Mr.  Willard  said  would  sing  what  He  intended 
then,  prevented  by  the  night:  Ask'd  Lieut.  Governour 
and  read  the  47.  Ps.  Clap  hands.  —  Spake  to  me  and  I 
set  it.  Lieut.  Gov^  Usher  was  invited,  but  not  there  ; 
He  is  gon  to  Prison  this  afternoon,  as  tis  said,  upon  Mr. 
Shrimpton's  Execution. 

Dec.  7,  1694.  Col.  Gedney  tells  me  that  Brother  Ger- 
rish  is  dead.  It  seems  he  died  Dec.  4.  and  was  buried  the 
day  following.     Capt.  Noyes's  Company  in  Arms. 

Tuesday,  Dec.  25.  Shops  are  open,  men  at  work  ;  Carts 
of  Pork,  Hay,  Coal,  Wood  come  to  Town  as  on  other  days. 
Mr.  Maccarty's  shop  is  open. 

Seventh-day,  Jan.  5.  I  waited  on  the  Lieut.  Governour 
to  Braintrey,  and  visited  Unkle  Quinsey.  Was  somewhat 
exercis'd  about  my  dream  the  last  night,  which  was  that 
Mr.  Edward  Cakes,  the  Father,  was  chosen  Pastor  of  Cam- 
bridge Church.  Mr.  Adams  and  I  had  discourse  about  the 
Oddness  of  the  matter,  that  the  father  should  succeed  his 
Son  so  long  after  the  Son  s  death.  I  excus'd  my  not  voting, 
as  not  pertaining  to  me ;  though  I  had  other  reasons  be- 
sides.    Thus  I  was  conversing  among  the  dead. 

Unkle  Quinsey  brought  us  going  as  far  as  Mr.  Wilson's 
house.     Got  home  about  an  hour  by  Sun.     Laus  Deo, 

Had  Capt.  Thomas's  Company  from  Tho.  Walkers  to 
Unkles  Gate,  by  accident. 


J69|.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  397 

Fifth  day,  Jan.  10.  Major  Hook  dies,  being  much  wanted 
and  lamented.  Had  a  Letter  from  him  Dec.  31.  It  seems 
was  taken  but  that  day  Senight  before  he  died.  The  Lord 
save  New  England.  Dr.  Doel  of  Newbury  died  a  little 
while  ago,  one  of  my  Schoolfellows,  as  was  also  Brother 
Gerrish ;  heard  not  certainly  of  said  Doel's  death  till  Mr. 
Emery  told  it  me  Jan.  15,  in  the  Street. 

Jan.  16.  Lieut.  Governour,  Mr.  Cook,  Mr.  Secretary, 
Mr.  Sergeant  and  S.  S.  went  over  to  Charlestown  and 
visited  Mr.  Morton  and  Mr.  Graves ;  to  see  if  could  bring 
over  Mr.  Graves,  &c.  that  so  another  Minister  and  God's 
Ordinances  might  be  setled  there  in  peace,  but  see  little 
likelihood  as  yet.  Went  to  the  Meeting,  at  Mrs.  Noyes's 
bidding,  in  Mr.  D.  Oliver's  new  brick  house.  The  w^eather 
was  so  extream  rainy  and  snowy  that  very  few  were  there. 
Sung  the  30*^  Psalm. 

Second  day,  Jan.  14.  I  goe  to  Mr.  Perry  and  speak  to 
him  to  send  home  Sam.  from  the  Shop,  that  so  his  sore 
and  swoln  feet  might  be  cured ;  which  standing  in  the  cold 
shop  would  prevent.  He  sends  him  home.  Had  no 
Coles. 

Feb.  9,  169|.  Jacob  Mason,  the  Instrument-maker, 
died  last  night  very  suddenly,  as  he  sat  in  a  chair  at  the 
widow  Hanah  Cowell's,  where  he  was  instructing  a  young 
man  in  the  Mariner's  Art.  This  day  there  is  a  very  ex- 
traordinary Storm  of  Snow.  It  seems  Jacob  Mason  was 
in  Drink. 

Feb.  12,  169|.  Mrs.  Moodey  is  stricken  with  the  Palsie 
in  her  right  side,  and  is  made  speechless.  Mr.  Moodey  is 
sent  for.  The  last  night  and  this  day,  Feb.  12,  the  wether 
is  extream  Cold  which  Mrs.  Moodey  always  hardly  bears. 

Feb.  15.  Bastian  fetches  Sam's  Chest  from  Mr.  Perry's. 
It  falls  out  so  that  neither  he  nor  Mrs.  Perry  are  at  home. 
I  gave  the  maid  12^  and  Robin  a  Real. 

Lord's  Day,  Feb.  17,  169|.  James  Meers's  Daughter 
was  taken  sick  last  night  and  dyed  this  morning ;  which 


398  DIAET   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [169|. 

Suddeiiess  Mr.  Willard  mention' d  with  a  great  deal  of 
Affection  in  the  morning- Prayer.  A  Note  was  put  up. 
She  was  more  than  Twenty  years  old. 

Third-Day,  Feb.  19,  169f  Salem-Chamber  [Prayer], 
Samnel  to  be  disposed  to  such  a  Master  and  Calling,  as 
wherein  he  may  abide  with  God.  Jane,  and  Fathers 
family. 

Assembly  that  is  to  sit  next  week,  that  may  be  directed 
and  succeeded  by  God,  to  doe  for  the  Salvation  of  the 
Province.  That  a  Man  after  God's  own  heart  may  be 
chosen  for  a  Judge.  Fronteers  from  Albany  and  Kinder- 
hook,  to  Peinaquid.     Spring.     England. 

This  day  in  the  evening,  I  hear  of  the  desolating  Earth- 
quake that  has  been  in  Italy  near  Naples,  the  last  Fall. 
Archbishop  of  Canterbury  dead.  Wait  Newman  dyd  be- 
tween the  Groin  and  Plimouth.  Is  3,000£  Loss  in  Fifield's 
being  Taken. 

Fourth-day,  March  6,  169|.  I  had  got  a  printed  List 
of  all  the  Councillors  names  except  the  Judges,  that  might 
sers^e  for  a  Nomination,  and  indented  them  with  Scissers, 
and  so  every  one  took  as  it  pleas'd  him,  and  put  into  Mr. 
Secretaries  Hat.  Elisha  Cooke,  Esqr.  had  Twenty  Votes. 
Barthol.  Gedney,  John  Hathorne,  Elisha  Hutchinson,  John 
Foster,  and  Nathanael  Thomas  Esqrs.  had  One  Vote  apiece  ; 
which  made  up  the  whole  number  of  Electors  :  for  the 
Lieut.  Governour  voted  not,  sustaining  the  place  of  Gov- 
ernour ;  Col.  Pynchon  was  not  here,  and  Major  Hook 
dead.  So  there  remained  25.  This  day  Joseph  Belknaps 
little  Son  of  about  4  years  old,  falls  into  scalding  Wort 
and  is  kill'd.  On  the  Sabbath  a  Roxbury  Woman  fell  off 
her  Horse  and  is  since  dead  :  On  the  day  before,  one 
Trusedal,  of  Newton,  was  pulling  Hay  from  an  undermined 
Mow  in  the  Barn,  which  fell  upon  him  and  kill'd  him. 
Mr.  Wheelwright  is  chosen  to  succeed  Major  Hook  as  to 
the  Probat  of  Wills,  and  Mr.  Peperill  as  a  Justice  of  the 
Inferiour  Court.     Mr.  Elatson  buryed  his  wife  this  day. 


169f]  DIARY    OF   SA]ynJEL    SEWALL.  399 

Bearers  had  Scarfs  and  Eings;  was  baryed  from  Mr. 
Colemans. 

March  11,  169f  Went  to  Plimouth  to  keep  Court ; 
IS*.!"  Came  to  Hingham ;  14*.^  home,  vid  Almanack;  15*.^ 
Voted  the  Writt  for  calling  an  Assembly  to  be  conforma- 
ble to  the  Law,  Nov.  8,  1693,  a  further  Tax  of  3000  and 
odd  pounds  granted,  and  an  additional  Impost  for  a  fund 
of  4000.     Bills  of  Credit. 

This  day,  March  15,  young  Tim^  Clark,  of  about  14 
years  old,  falls  down  into  the  Hold  of  a  Ship  on  the  Kilson, 
and  dies,  to  the  great  Sorrow  of  all  that  hear  of  it.  At 
night  Deputies  make  the  Lieut.  Governour  and  some  of 
the  Council  drink  at  the  Exchange  Tavern. 

March  16.  Deputies  vote  for  Mr.  Torrey  to  preach  the 
Election  Sermon,  and  that  25*.^  April  be  a  Fast.  Lieut. 
Governour  makes  a  Speech  to  the  Deputies ;  Mr.  Willard 
prays.  Lieut.  Governour  desires  Mr.  Secretary  to  declare 
that  the  Court  is  dissolv'd.  Gives  the  Speaker  &c.  a  Glass 
of  Wine  at  Mr.  Epaphras  Shrimptons.  Upon  the  14*^  of 
March  Mr.  Mitchell  dies,  is  buried  upon  the  16.  A  Storm 
of  Snow  this  day. 

Sabbath,  March  17.  Is  a  very  sore  Storm  of  Snow. 
When  Afternoon  Exercise  is  over,  Mr.  Willard  stays  the 
Church  and  Major  Walley,  Capt.  Williams,  and  Checkly 
are  chose  to  accompany  our  Pastor  to  Salem-Yillage  on 
the  3*^  of  April  next;  that  Church  calling  a  Council,  to 
see  if  can  put  an  end  to  their  contentions. 

March  18,  169|.  Last  night  I  dream' d  that  all  my 
Children  were  dead  except  Sarah ;  which  did  distress  me 
sorely  with  Reflexions  on  my  Omission  of  Duty  towards 
them,  as  well  as  Breaking  oft  the  Hopes  I  had  of  them. 
The  Lord  help  me  thankfully  and  fruitfully  to  enjoy  them, 
and  let  that  be  a  means  to  awaken  me.  This  day  Tim. 
Clark  is  buried,  a  great  Funeral.  He  never  spake  after 
his  Fall.     Great  Snow  on  the  Ground. 

March  17,  169|.     Mr.  Woodbridge  of  Newbury  dies  in 


400  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1695. 

a  good  old  Age,  more  than  80  ;  buried  March  19*.^  as  Capt. 
Hill  tells  me,  March  21.  after  Lecture. 

March  23.  Very  sore  Storm  of  Rain.  Mr.  Woodbridge 
was  a  Good  Man,  and  a  constant  attender  upon  God  in  his 
publick  worship  on  the  Sabbath-day,  though  he  himself 
preached  not.     I  saw  Him  when  last  at  Newbury. 

March  29,  1695.  Went  to  the  Meeting  at  Mr.  Ohvers: 
Major  Walley  sat  next  me,  and  presently  after  the  Exer- 
cise, ask'd  me  if  I  heard  the  sad  News  from  England,  and 
then  told  me  the  Queen  was  dead,  which  was  the  first  I 
heard  of  it.  It  seems  Capt.  Allen  arriv'd  yesterday  at 
Marblehead,  who  brought  the  News,  and  fill'd  the  Town 
with  it  this  day.  It  seems  the  Queen  died  on  the  27*:^  of 
December,  having  been  sick  four  days  of  the  Small  Pocks. 
C.  Allen  was  at  Coruna  about  the  Groin,^  when  the  Pac- 
kuet  came  thether  that  brought  the  News  of  it :  Where- 
upon the  Fleet  performed  their  usual  Ceremonies,  and  the 
Merchants  went  into  Mourning.  Mr.  Willard  preached 
from  Jn""  21-21,  22.  to  prepare  men  to  acquiesce  in  the 
Soveraign  Disposal  of  God  as  to  mens  honouring  of  Him 
in  Doing,  or  Suffering,  or  both. 

April  1,  1695.  Joseph  speaking  about  my  sending  two 
Frenchmen  to  prison  upon  the  Act  relating  to  them,  said, 
If  this  Country  stand  when  I  am  a  Man,  I'll  drive  them 
all  out. 

April  1.  Three  of  Watertown  came  to  me  and  gave  an 
account  of  their  Town-Meeting ;  which  was  Wednesday 
last,  but  could  do  nothing  :  so  adjourned  to  the  28*!"  Inst. 
and  then  chose  Select-Men ;  Though  the  Farmers  voted 
with  the  East-End ;  yet  the  Middle  out- voted  them  and 
have  chosen  Select-men  to  their  mind,  and  Capt.  Garfield 
Town-Clerk,  in  stead  of  Capt.  Prout,  who  has  endeavour'd 

1  Coruna,  or  Corunna,  a  seaport  in  the  north-west  corner  of  Spain,  is 
perhaps  best  known  as  the  place  where  Sir  John  Moore  was  slain  in  1809. 
By  British  sailors  it  is  termed  "The  Groyne,"  a  corruption  of  the  French 
name,  "  La  Corogne."  — Eds. 


1695.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  401 

much  to  obstruct  their  proceedings  about  the  New-meeting- 
house. Parties  were  so  combin'd  on  either  side  that  'twas  fl 
a  continued  Duel  in  each,  One  to  One ;  and  Four  Score 
and  odd  Votes  apiece.  The  Lord  give  a  peacable  Settle- 
ment to  that  Church  and  Town,  so  as  may  be  most  for  the 
advantage  of  His  Interest  and  Glory. 

April  3,  1695.  I  planted  Two  Locusts,  two  Elms  at 
Wheelers  pond,  and  one  in  Elm-Pasture  near  the  Line 
over  against  the  Middle-Elm.  The  middle  Locust-Tree 
at  Wheelers  pond  ^  was  set  there  the  last  year. 

Apr.  5.  There  is  pretty  much  Thunder  and  Lightening 
about  break  of  day.  Thunder  seem'd  to  me  like  Great 
Guns  at  first. 

Apr.  7.     Capt.  Hill  has  a  Grandson  James  baptiz'd. 

Tuesday,  Apr.  9,  1695.  Piam  Blower  and  others  from 
Virginia  and  Barbados  bring  a  Confirmation  of  the  Queens 
death  :  and  Report  that  the  French  King  is  dead  ;  and  his 
Gen!  Luxemburg ;  that  two  other  duelled  for  the  honour 
of  his  place,  one  fell,  and  the  other  went  over  to  the  Con- 
federats.  Ketch  arrived  that  came  from  Plimouth  the 
Tenth  of  February.  This  day  father  Daws  makes  my 
little  Bridge. 

Apr.  10.  When  I  rise  in  the  morn  I  find  the  Ground 
and  houses  covered  with  Snow.  Be  it  that  Lewis  the  14*? 
be  indeed  dead  &c.  yet  we  may  have  a  sharp,  though  short 
winter  in  New  England  still.     God  defend. 

Apr.  23.     Neighbour  Ellis  dies. 

Apr.  24.     We  are  told  from  Madera,  that  one  of  the 

1  The  following  extract  from  the  second  volume  of  Boston  town  records 
seems  to  refer  to  this  matter :  — 

"March  25'''  1695.  Whereas  Capt.  Samuel  Sewall  hath  been  at  Charge 
in  severall  essays  to  plant  trees  at  the  south  end  of  the  Town,  for  the  shad- 
ing of  Wheeler's  Pond,  therefore  it  is  ordered  that  the  said  Sewall  and  his 
Heires  and  none  else  shall  have  liberty  from  time  to  time  to  lop  the  trees  so 
planted,  and  to  cut  them  down  and  Dispose  of  them,  he  or  they  planting 
others  and  causing  them  to  grow  in  stead  of  those  cut  down."  — Eds. 

26 


402  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1695. 

Mast-Shlps  is  Taken  and  that  Lewis  14  is  yet  alive.  Very 
wet  and  Rainy  Wether. 

Monday,  April  29,  1695.  The  morning  is  very  warm 
and  Sunshiny ;  in  the  Afternoon  there  is  Thunder  and 
Lightening,  and  about  2.  P.M.  a  very  extraordinary  Storm 
of  Hail,  so  that  the  ground  was  made  white  with  it,  as 
with  the  blossoms  when  fallen  ;  'twas  as  bigg  as  pistoll  and 
Musquet  Bullets  ;  It  broke  of  the  Glass  of  the  new  House 
about  480  Quarrels  [Squares]  of  the  Front ;  of  Mr.  Ser- 
geant's about  as  much ;  Col.  Shrimpton,  Major  General, 
Gov!"  Bradstreet,  New  Meetinghouse,  Mr.  Willard,  &c, 
Mr.  Cotton  Mather  dined  with  us,  and  was  with  me  in 
the  new  Kitchen  when  this  was  ;  He  had  just  been  men- 
tioning that  more  Ministers  Houses  than  others  propor- 
tionably  had  been  smitten  with  Lightening ;  enquiring  what 
the  meaning  of  God  should  be  in  it.  Many  Hail-Stones 
broke  throw  the  Glass  and  flew  to  the  middle  of  the  Room, 
or  farther :  People  afterward  Gazed  upon  the  House  to 
see  its  Ruins.  I  got  Mr.  Mather  to  pray  with  us  after  this 
awf ull  Providence ;  He  told  God  He  had  broken  the  brittle 
part  of  our  house,  and  prayd  that  we  might  be  ready  for 
the  time  when  our  Clay-Tabernacles  should  be  broken. 
Twas  a  sorrowfull  thing  to  me  to  see  the  house  so  far 
tindon  again  before  twas  finish'd.  It  seems  at  Milton  on 
the  one  hand,  and  at  Lewis's  [see  under  May  25]  on  the 
other,  there  was  no  Hail. 

I  mentiond  to  Mr.  Mather  that  Monmouth  made  his 
discent  into  England  about  the  time  of  the  Hail  in  '85, 
Sumer,  that  much  cracked  our  South-west  windows.  Col. 
Archdell,  Governour  of  Carolina  ^  comes  to  Town  from 
Portsmouth  this  night. 


1  Carolina,  at  that  time  comprising  both  North  and  South  Carolina,  was 
granted  in  1663.  In  1669,  John  Locke  drew  up  a  constitution  for  the  Colony, 
which  was  abrogated  about  1695.  At  the  suggestion  of  the  late  Governor, 
Thomas  Smith,  the  proprietors  sent  out  one  of  their  own  number  as  Gover* 


I 


1695.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  403 

Apr.  30.  Col.  Archdell  waits  on  the  Lieut.  Governour 
in  the  Council-Chamber  just  after  the  breaking  up  of  the 
Court.  Came  from  London  the  10.  of  January,  from  Fal- 
mouth the  24*.^  to  Madera,  and  from  thence  to  Portsmouth 
in  Mr  Olivers  Briganteen,  and  so  hether  by  land.  The 
Queen  died  the  27.  Dec^,  was  laid  in  State.  Parliament 
ordered  Money  for  the  Funeral  which  was  like  to  be  sump- 
tuous. Parliament,  Lord  Mayor,  &c.  waited  on  the  King 
with  their  addresses  of  Condolance.  News  of  French  King's 
death  was  contradicted.  Duke  Luxembourg  dead.  Dr. 
Tenison  Archbishop.  Has  brought  no  Gazett  nor  Print. 
Courtiers  and  Merchants  were  in  Mourning. 

May  1 .  A  vessel  arrives  from  Barbados  giving  an  account 
of  the  notice  taken  there  of  the  Queen's  Death  in  Guns 
and  Colours,  by  order  of  the  Governour ;  which  with  the 
News  from  Col.  Archdell  caused  the  Lieut.  Governour  to 
give  order  to  the  Captain  of  the  Castle  for  firing  of  Twenty 
guns  about  3.  P.M.,  to  take  it  from  the  Frigots  below ; 
Captains  having  been  spoken  with. 

I  visit  Mr.  Loring  who  lies  sick  of  's  Cut-Toe  at  Pilgrim 
Simkins.  Coming  back  with  Mr.  Secretary,  Major  Wal- 
ley  meets  us,  and  tells  us  of  good  News,  which  was  the 
Escape  of  Hezekia  Miles  from  the  Indians  where  he  had 
been  captive  several  years;  saith  they  are  sick  at  St. 
John's.     Mr.  Hobarts  Son  Gershom  is  well  at  a  new  Fort 


nor,  John  Archdale.  He  was  a  Quaker,  and  the  historians  speak  of  his 
administration  as  a  wise  and  happy  change  fi'om  former  rulers.  He  seems 
to  have  remained  in  the  Colony  but  for  one  or  two  years.  He  had  visited 
New  England  before,  in  1664,  as  agent  for  Governor  Ferdinand©  Gorges  of 
Maine,  who  man-ied  his  sister  Mary. 

O'Callaghan  says  that  he  was  elected  Member  of  Parliament  in  1698,  but, 
as  he  would  only  affirm,  he  was  not  allowed  to  take  his  seat.  In  1699,  we 
find  Thomas  Archdale  in  the  lists  as  Member  for  Chipping  Wycomb,  county 
Bucks. 

Wheeler  (Hist.  North  Carolina)  says  that  Archdale's  daughter  Anne  mar- 
ried Emmanuel  Lowe,  and  has  descendants  still  living  in  the  State. 

Archdale  published  "  A  new  description  of  the  fertile  and  pleasant  Prov 
ince  of  Carolina."     London,  1707. — Eds. 


404  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1695 

a  days  Journey  above  Nerigawag,  Masters  name  is  Nassa- 
combewit,  a  good  Master,  and  Mistress.  Master  is  chief 
Captain,  now  Bambazeen  is  absent.  Hezekia  got  to  Saco 
last  Thorsday. 

May  5,  1695.  About  3  hours  News  comes  to  Town  of 
the  death  of  Sir  William  Phips,  Feb.  18^.^  at  which  people 
are  generally  sad.  Lay  sick  about  a  week  of  the  new 
Fever  as  'tis  called.  Cous.  Hull  says  the  talk  is  Mr.  Dud- 
ley will  be  Governour.  Tis  said  the  King  goes  over  Sea 
again,  and  Seven  persons  are  to  have  the  Kegency  in  his 
absence. 

May  6.  The  mourning  Guns  are  fired  at  the  Castle  and 
Town  for  the  Death  of  our  Governour.  Representatives 
the  same  as  before,  chosen  this  day. 

May  8,  1695.  I  visit  my  Lady,  who  takes  on  heavily 
for  the  death  of  Sir  William.  Thinks  the  Lieutenant  and 
Council  were  not  so  kind  to  him  as  they  should  have  been. 
Was  buried  out  of  Salters  Hall.'    This  day.  May  8,  we  have 

1  Considering  the  space  that  Sir  William  Phips  occupies  in  this  Journal, 
It  may  not  be  inappropriate  to  copy  the  following  account  of  his  tomb,  given 
in  the  "  New  View  of  London,"  1708,  reprinted  in  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Regis- 
ter, IV.  290:  — 

*'  At  the  east  end  of  the  Church  of  St.  Mary  Woolnoth,  near  the  north- 
east angle,  is  a  pretty,  white  marble  monument,  adorned  with  an  urn  between 
two  Cupids,  the  figure  of  a  ship,  and  also  a  boat  at  sea,  with  persons  in  the 
water;  these  beheld  by  a  winged  eye,  all  done  in  basso  relievo;  also  seven 
medals,  as  that  of  K.  William  and  Q.  Mary;  some  with  Spanish  impressions, 
as  the  castle,  cross-potent,  &c.,  and  likewise  the  figures  of  a  sea-quadrant, 
cross-staff,  &c.,  and  this  inscription:  — 

"  '  Near  this  place  is  interred  the  Body  of  Sir  William  Phipps,  Knight; 
who,  in  the  year  1687,  by  his  great  industry,  discovered  among  the  rocks 
near  the  Banks  of  Bahama  on  the  north  side  of  Hispaniola,  a  Spanish  plate- 
ship,  which  had  been  under  water  44  years,  out  of  which  he  took  in  gold  and 
silver  to  the  value  of  £300,000  sterling;  and,  with  a  fidelity  equal  to  his  con- 
duct, brought  it  all  to  London,  where  it  was  divided  between  himself  and  the 
rest  of  the  adventurers :  For  which  great  service  he  w^as  knighted  by  his  then 
majesty,  King  James  the  2d;  and  afterward,  by  the  command  of  his  present 
majesty,  and  at  the  request  of  the  principal  inhabitants  of  New-England,  he 
accepted  of  the  government  of  the  Massachusetts,  in  which  he  continued  to 
the  time  of  his  death ;  and  discharged  his  trust  with  that  zeal  for  the  interest 
of  his  country,  and  with  so  little  regard  to  his  own  private  advantage,  that 


1695.]  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  405 

News  of  the  Taking  of  Seven  Vessels  by  a  small  French 
Pickeroon.  One  is  a  Briganteen,  Mr.  Greenwood,  Master, 
out  of  which  had  1000£  Money.  Neither  of  the  Frigats 
is  yet  got  out. 

Monday,  May  13, 1695.  Set  out  with  John  Trowbridge 
for  Newbury,  visit  my  Brother  by  the  way ;  visit  Sister 
Northend  :   lodge  at  my  Father's. 

Tuesday,  14.  Goe  to  the  Ferry  and  meet  Mr.  Dantorth, 
Cook,  Col.  Hutchinson,  Jn°  Hubbard,  drink  at  my  Father's, 
I  sup  with  them  at  Mrs.  White's. 

Wednesday,  May  15.  Set  out  for  Portsmouth,  have  a 
Guard  of  Six  men  from  Newbury.  Capt.  Smith  of  Hamp- 
ton meets  us  with  12.  by  Gov^  Usher's  order,  long  Arms. 
At  Hampton  Major  Vaughn  and  Mr.  Waldron's  Letter 
meets  us  to  invite  us  to  their  Houses,  they  being  at  the 
Council.  Find  Mrs.  Bedford  very  sick,  taken  the  day 
before. 

Thorsday,  May  16.  Went  up  the  Biver  to  Mr.  Shap- 
lighs  and  there  held  the  Court  just  over  against  Dover. 
Went  down  in  the  night  and  found  Mrs.  Bedford  dead. 

Friday,  May  17.  Drive  a  Pin  in  Major  Vaughans  Grist 
and  fullingmill.'  Capt.  Walbon  carries  us  down  to  Govf 
Usher's  Treat ;  after  go  to  the  Fort,  and  are  saluted  by 
the  Ordinance  at  going  in,  and  coming  out.  Interceded 
for  an  Ensign  of  Hampton  then  in  hold  in  the  Fort,  upon 
which  was  presently  dismissed. 

May  18.  Din'd  with  Mr.  Penhallow.  Go  to  the  funeral 
of  Mrs.  Bedford. 


he  justly  gained  the  good  esteem  and  affections  of  the  greatest  and  best  part 
of  the  inhabitants  of  that  Colony.  \^ 

"  '  He  died  the  18th  of  February,  1694[-5].  And  his  lady,  to  perpetuate 
his  memory,  hath  caused  this  monument  to  be  erected. ' 

"Here  are  also  his  arms  depicted;  i.e.,  Sable,  a  trefoil  slipt,  within  an 
orle  of  eight  Mullets,  Argent.''^  —  Eds. 

^  Repeated  instances  occur  in  this  Journal  of  this  driving  a  pin  or  a  nail 
in  a  house,  barn,  or  ship.  Apparently  there  was  some  superstition  connected 
with  the  ceremony,  though  we  have  failed  to  find  mention  of  it.  —  Eds. 


406  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1695 

May  19.  Mr.  Moodey  preaches  both  parts  of  the  day, 
in  the  afternoon  partly  a  funeral  Sermon  on  the  sudden- 
ness of  Mrs.  Bedford's  lamented  death.  Great  Rain  in  the 
Afternoon. 

May  20.  Ride  to  Newbury.  I  treat  Mr.  Danforth,  Cook, 
Hutchinson,  Moodey,  &c.  with  Salmon  at  Capt.  Serjeant's. 
I  lodge  at  Newbury. 

May  2].  Ride  to  Ipswich  in  Company  Capt.  Sergeant, 
Mr.  Mayo,  Plaisted.  It  seems  Cous.  Hobart  of  Hingham 
was  buried  this  day.  Sent  Joana  Gerrish  home.  Lodge 
at  the  Widow  Apleton's  with  Major  Eps. 

May  24.  Friday.  Walk  to  Argilla,^  and  visit  Madam 
Symonds,  who  sits  up  in  her  chair,  but  is  weakly. 

May  25.  In  our  way  home  divert  to  Col.  Apleton's, 
who  keeps  house  by  reason  of  a  Sore  Legg.  The  day  is 
very  hot,  which  makes  us  almost  faint  by  that  time  we 
reach  Lewis's  ;  there  refresh  very  Comfortably.  Got  home 
seasonably  and  found  my  family  well,  except  Sarah,  blessed 
be  God. 

Wednesday,  May  29,  1695.  Election.  Stoughton  71 
Danforth  79.  Winthrop  74.  Pynchon  41.  Gedney  74 
Cook  69.  Hathorn  58.  Pike  48.  Hutchinson  70.  Brown 
55.  Corwin  70.  Foster  64.  Russell  66.  Sergeant  49. 
Addington  78.  Phillips  76.  Perce  69.  Sewall  77.  Voted 
but  for  18.  at  first.  Col.  Saltonstall  had  39.  as  1693,  and 
was  left  out. 

Plimouth.  Bradford  57.  Lothrop  64.  Thomas  59. 
Saffin  59. 

Main[e],  Wheelwright  71.  Frost  72.  Mr.  E°^  Hutch- 
inson 34.  in  stead  of  Major  Hook,  deceased. 

1  Argilla  was  the  name  of  an  estate  formerly  belonging  to  Deputy- 
Governor  Samuel  Symonds.  In  his  will  (printed  in  "The  Ancestry  of 
Priscilla  Baker")  he  gives  his  widow  £12  annually,  to  be  paid  out  of  his 
farm  called  Argilla,  also  the  east  end  of  his  dwelling-house  at  Argilla. 
Felt's  "Ipswich,"  p.  163,  says  of  Symonds  that  "his  farm  at  Argilla  has 
been  long  noted."  March  18,  1713-4,  Timothy  Thornton  had  one  quarter  of 
Argilla  in  fee.  —  Eds. 


1695.]  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    ISEWALL.  407 

Sagadahock,  Lynde  50. 

Yagum  [at  large  ?],  Shrimpton  28.     Thacher  32. 
Thaclier  had  46.  when  voted  for  Plimouth,  yet  there 
lost  it. 

Voters,  Depts.  56, )  ^3.    Note.   Every  One  of  the  Coun- 
Councillors        26,  j 
cil  living,  was  there  3  but  the  Lieut.  Governour  did  not 


vote. 


Friday,  June  14.  The  Bill  against  Incest  was  passed 
with  the  Deputies,  four  and  twenty  Nos,  and  seven  and 
twenty  Yeas.  The  Ministers  gave  in  their  Arguments 
yesterday  in  Writing  ;  else  it  had  hardly  gon,  because 
several  have  married  their  wives  sisters,  and  the  Deputies 
thought  it  hard  to  part  them.  'Twas  concluded  on  the 
other  hand,  that  not  to  part  them,  were  to  make  the  Law 
abortive,  by  begetting  in  people  a  conceipt  that  such 
Marriages  were  not  against  the  Law  of  God.^ 

Mr.  Secretary  treats  the  Lieut.  Governour,  Council, 
Ministers;  Major  Townsend  and  Mr.  Bromfield,  at  James 
Meers's.  Mr.  Allen  in  returning  Thanks,  mentioned  the 
passing  of  this  Act,  and  that  relating  to  Ministers. 

At  night,  reading  in  course  in  the  family  the  Eleventh 
of  the  Eevelation,  it  brought  fresh  to  my  mind  what  I  had 


1  As  might  be  inferred  from  the  text,  this  law  (chap.  2  of  Acts  of  1695-6) 
placed  in  the  list  of  forbidden  marriages  that  of  a  man  with  his  wife's  sister 
or  with  his  wife's  niece  (either  her  brother's  or  sister's  daughter).  It  does 
not  in  terms  forbid  the  corresponding  marriage  of  a  woman  with  her  hus- 
band's brother  or  nephew. 

We  have  the  authority  of  Ellis  Ames,  Esq.,  for  the  statement  that  no 
other  statute  was  passed  upon  this  subject  until  after  the  Revolution.  Chap. 
69  of  1785  was  enacted  to  regulate  marriage  and  divorce,  and  the  above  pro- 
hibition was  then  dropped.  The  law  has  since  remained  unchanged,  and 
we  have  failed  to  learn  that  the  act  of  1785  caused  any  public  discussion. 
Few  indeed  of  the  present  generation  here  have  any  suspicion  that  such 
marriages  were  ever  unlawful  or  questionable  :  yet  in  other  countries 
to-day  ecclesiastical  scruples  continue  to  maintain  the  prohibition.  In 
England,  where  many  painful  instances  have  occurred,  almost  annually  a 
motion  in  Parliament  is  made  for  the  repeal  of  this  unjust  and  absurd  law 
—  Eds. 


408  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1695. 

said  to  Mr.  Mather  a  pretty  while  agoe,  that  if  we  could 
pass  the  Law  against  Incest,  might  help  to  finish  our 
Testimony. 

June  16,  1695.  Lord's  Day.  Mrs.  Willard  is  brought 
to  bed  about  noon,  and  her  Daughter  Eunice  baptised. 
Four  Males  baptised  ;  Robert,  John,  John,  William.  Mother 
goes  to  Church  in  the  afternoon,  and  so  is  at  the  Baptisme. 
Last  night  were  comfortable  Showers  after  much  dry 
wether. 

Friday,  June  21.  My  dear  Mother  Hull  tells  me  of 
Capt.  Daviss  Invitation,  and  bids  me  to  remember  to  be 
at  the  Meeting.  Mr.  Willard  preaches  excellently.  At 
home,  at  prayer,  we  read  the  16.  of  the  Revelation  ;  I 
spake  somthing  to  the  Sixth  Vial,  but  little  thought  how 
presently  those  awf  ull  Words,  Behold  I  come  as  a  Thief ! 
did  concern  me  and  my  whole  family :  And  then,  and  at 
prayer  with  my  Wife  in  the  Chamber,  was  wofully  drowsy 
and  stupid.  About  one  at  night,  Jane  comes  up  with  an 
unusual  Gate,  and  gives  us  an  account  of  Mothers  Illness, 
not  being  able  to  speak  of  a  considerable  time.  I  went  to 
Capt.  Daviss  and  fetched  some  Trecle  Water  and  Syrup 
of  Saffron ;  Dame  Ellis  made  a  Cake  of  Herbs  to  try  to 
strengthen  Mothers  Stomach.  In  the  morn  Roger  Judd 
is  sent  to  Cambridge  for  Dr.  Oliver,  mother  chusing  to 
speak  with  him  and  no  other.  When  he  comes  he  advises 
to  a  Plaister  for  the  Stomach,  which  is  aplied  ;  and  a  Potion 
made  of  Bezar  [Bezoar]  to  be  taken  in  Syrup  of  Saffron  and 
Treacle  water  ;  of  which  took  once  or  twice.  About  8.  or 
9.  I  call'd  Mr.  Willard  at  her  desire,  who  prays  with  her. 
Finding  the  room  free  once,  and  observing  her  very  great 
weakness;  I  took  the  oportunity  to  thank  her  for  all  her 
Labours  of  Love  to  me  and  mine,  and  ask'd  her  pardon  of 
our  undutifullness  ;  She,  after  a  while,  said,  God  Pity  'Em ; 
which  was  the  last  prayer  I  heard  her  make.  About  six 
I  ask'd  if  I  should  call  Mr.  Willard,  (for  had  said  to  him 
that  he  should  come  again  if  he  could).     As  far  as  I  could 


1695]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    iSEWALL.  409 

perceive,  she  said,  Not  so  soon.  But  I  called,  or  sent; 
yet  could  not  discern  any  attention  to  the  prayer,  her 
disease  had  prevail'd  so  far,  and  a  little  before  Sunset  she 
expired,  to  our  very  surprising  Grief  and  Sorrow.  Roger 
Judd  was  here  about  noon,  and  said,  that  when  some  in 
the  next  room  spake  about  who  should  Watch,  my  dear 
Mother  answer'd.  She  should  need  no  Watchers,  she  should 
be  above  at  Rest. 

June  24.  About  Seven  aclock,  my  dear  Mother  is  en- 
tombed. Bearers,  Mr.  Danforth,  Russell,  Cooke,  Elisha 
Hutchinson,  Addington,  Sergeant. 

July  7.    Gov^  Bradstreet  is  seised  again  with  his  old  pains. 

July  15.  I  discourse  Capt.  Sam!  Checkly  about  his 
taking  Sam.  to  be  his  Prentice.  He  seems  to  incline  to 
it ;  and  in  a  maner  all  I  mention  it  to  encourage  me.  The 
good  Lord  direct  and  prosper. 

July  12,  1695.  Kept  a  Day  of  Prayer  in  secret  Re- 
specting my  dear  Mother's  death ;  and  Sam's  being  to  be 
placed  out,  &c. 

July  21.     Madam  Symonds  of  Ipswich  dies. 

July  23.  Council  at  Charlestown  :  Was  at  Watertown 
this  day  Sennight. 

July  26,  1695.  Poor  little  Mary  falls  down  into  the 
Cellar  of  Matthias  Smith's  house,  and  cuts  her  head  against 
the  Stones,  making  a  large  orifice  of  more  than  two  inches 
long ;  'twas  about  6  post  meridiem.  The  Lord  sanctify  to 
me  this  bloody  Accident. 

July  30,  1695.  Mr.  Cook  and  I  ride  to  Cambridge, 
there  with  Mr.  Justice  Danforth  to  hold  the  Court. 

Judith  Shepard  of  Charlestown  is  Tried  for  her  Life  for 
firing  the  house  of  Mr.  Richard  Foster ;  clear'd  by  the 
Jury;  but  bound  in  a  Bond  of  an  hundred  pounds  to 
answer  for  other  Crimes  at  the  next  Superiour  Court  and 
to  be  of  the  good  Behaviour.  Trial  held  so  long  that  'twas 
nine  aclock  ere  we  got  out  of  the  Meetinghouse  ;  and  then 
dark  and  like  to  rain,  so  lodg'd  at  Mr.  Danforth's. 


410  DIAEY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1695. 

July  31.  Issued  the  Court.  Came  home  by  Charles- 
town.  Went  to  the  Meeting  at  Capt.  Alden's  and  invited 
the  Meeting  hether  this  day  fortnight. 

July  30.  Jane  sails  for  Newbury  in  Benajah  Titcomb's 
Sloop,  loosed  from  the  wharf  past  ten  the  night  before. 

Augt.  6,  1695.  Mr.  Obinson's  wife  comes  to  me  and 
complains  of  her  Husband's  ill  usage  of  her ;  kick'd  her 
out  of  bed  last  night ;  lets  her  have  nothing  but  water  to 
drink,  won't  let  her  have  Cloths  or  victuals.  This  was  2 
post  meridiem. 

Fifth-day,  Augt.  8,  1695.  About  9.  M.  little  Sarah  has 
a  Convulsion  Fit ;  I  and  Mr.  Torrey  were  sent  for  to  see 
it.  It  lasted  not  long.  When  all  quiet,  Mr.  Torrey  went 
to  Prayer.  A  little  after  Lecture,  Sarah  has  another  sore 
Fit.     My  wife  and  I  take  her  to  bed  with  us. 

Augt.  8,  1695.  About  six  in  the  Morn.  Sarah  has  an- 
other sore  Fit  in  her  Mother's  arms  presently  after  she 
was  brought  down. 

Third-day,  Augt.  13,  1695.  We  have  a  Fast  kept  in 
our  new  Chamber.  Mr.  Willard  begins  wdth  Prayer,  and 
preaches  from  2  Chron.  34.  27.  Mr.  Allen  prays.  P.M. 
Mr.  Bayly  begins  with  prayer,  preaches  from  Luke  1.  50, 
and  then  concludes  with  prayer.  Sung  the  27  Ps.  7-10. 
I  set  Windsor  Tune  and  burst  so  into  Tears  that  I  could 
scarce  continue  singing.  Mr.  Thornton  was  here,  but 
went  away  when  Mr.  Allen  was  at  Prayer.  Mr.  Cook,  and 
Mr.  Addington  here,  Mr.  Sergeant  was  diverted.  Note. 
Had  better  have  invited  all  the  Council  in  Town,  at  least. 
I  apointed  this  day  to  ask  God's  Blessing  after  the  death 
of  my  dear  Mother,  and  in  particular  to  bless  Sam.  with  a 
Master  and  Calling  and  bless  us  in  our  new  house.  The 
Lord  pardon  and  doe  for  us  beyond  our  hopes,  contrary 
to  our  Deserts. 

Augt.  17,  1695.  The  Court  is  Adjourned  to  the  20*.^  of 
November.  A  Duel  was  fought  this  day  upon  the  Com- 
mon between  Peggy  and  one  Capt.  Cole ;   Lieut.  Govern- 


16D5.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  411 

our  has  spoken  to  Mr.  Cook  to  bind  tliem  over  to  the 
Sessions. 

Augt.  25.  Rob*  Wilhams  the  Bell-Ringer,  Publisher 
[Crier]  and  Grave-digger  died  this  morn.  He  was  sud- 
denly stricken  the  fifth-day  before,  just  after  his  ringing 
the  five-a-clock  Bell ;  fell  down  as  essayed  to  go  up  his 
own  stairs,  and  I  think  so  continued  speechless  till  death. 
Mr.  Baily  took  notice  of  the  Suddeness  of  it  in  his  prayer. 
The  Flag  is  out  almost  all  day  at  the  Castle  for  Pincarton, 
comes  in  in  the  even,  brings  word  that  the  Lord  Bellamont 
is  coming  over  our  Governour  in  the  Unity  Frigat ;  [New] 
Hampshire  to  be  anexed.  Mr.  Ives's  Son  is  come  over, 
and  several  other  Passengers. 

Third  day,  Augt.  27,  1695.  Went  to  Dorchester  Lec- 
ture. Lieut.  Governour  came  to  Boston,  whom  met  on 
the  road,  yet  went  on  ;  in  his  Pue  sat  Mr.  Alford,  Mrs. 
Hutchinson  Elisha,  Mrs.  Foster,  Mrs.  Nelson,  Mrs.  Dan- 
forth  and  I.  Went  to  Mrs.  Flints,  whether  came  Mr. 
Weld,  Mr.  Thacher,  Mr.  Walter,  Mr.  Denison,  with  whom 
sat  down  to  diner.  Several  young  Gentlewomen  sat  down 
afterward. 

Mr.  Danforth's  Text  was  Ps.  111.  7.  All  his  Comand- 
ments  are  Sure.  That  was,  their  Doctrine  ;  shew'd  that  not 
an  iota  could  fail,  but  all  the  Threatenings  and  Promises 
firm  and  binding ;  therefore  ought  with  aw  to  keep  God's 
Law. 

Augt.  27,  1695.  In  the  morn  I  had  Joseph  to  Mrs. 
Kay's  to  School  at  Mr.  Trott's  house. 

Sept.  2,  1695.  Artillery  Training.  Dine  at  George 
Monk's,  invited  by  Col.  Paige ;  Mr.  Moodey  and  Mr. 
Chiever  there,  Addington,  Foster. 

This  day  Mr.  George  Babcock,  Ship-Carpenter,  falls 
from  a  Ship  he  was  helping  to  build  at  Charlestown,  breaks 
his  Neck  and  three  of  's  Ribs,  of  which  he  dies.  His  Brother 
dyed  in  the  Spring  at  Milton,  by  a  like  fall ;  which  renders 
it  very  awfull.  George  Babcock  married  Ruth  Ruggles 
Nov.  19,  1691. 


412  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1695. 

Sept.  4,  1695.  W^  Longfellow  brings  Jane  down  from 
Newbury.  This  day  there  is  a  Fast  at  Cous.  Dumers  ; 
Mr.  Allen  preaches  in  the  morn,  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  in 
the  Afternoon.  Mr.  Bayly  began  with  Prayer.  Mr.  R'us- 
sel  began  in  the  Afternoon,  Mr.  Moodey  concluded.  Two 
last  Staves  of  the  146.  Ps.  Sung. 

Second  day,  September  9,  1695.  Set  out  for  Bristow, 
with  Mr.  Danforth  and  Mr.  Cook.  Baited  at  Neponset. 
din'd  at  Billenges,  where  were  also  Mr.  Newton  and  Mr. 
Cary ;  went  to  Woodcock's,  refresh'd  there,  so  to  Reho- 
both ;  lodgd  at  the  Bear,  Sheriff  was  there  to  meet  us ; 
Major  Generall  also  lodged  there  in  his  way  home  from 
New-London. 

Third-day,  Sept.  10.  To  Bristow  by  the  Bridge.  Had 
tw^o  Actions  concerning  Land.  Sup  at  Mr.  Safhn's.  I 
lodgd  at  Mr.  Wilkins's.  Major  Church  is  sick,  I  visit  him ; 
came  with  Mr.  Danforth  to  Taunton,  there  din'd  ;  from 
thence  to  Bridgewater,  visited  Mr.  Keith.  Lodg'd  at  our 
Landlord  Hayward's,  who,  by  Mr.  Danforth's  procurement, 
pray'd  with  us  very  well  in  the  evening.  Mr.  Cook  was 
sick  and  scarce  slept  all  night. 

In  the  morn,  Sept.  12,  set  out  about  Sunrise ;  din'd  at 
Mr.  Pain's  at  Braintrey,  got  home  a  little  after  one  of  the 
Clock,  and  find  all  well,  blessed  be  God. 

Sept.  17,  1695.  Gov^  Bradstreet  has  the  remainder  of 
his  Goods  put  on  board  Mr.  Graften  ;  The  house  being 
empty,  I  prevail  with  him  and  his  Lady  to  walk  to  our 
house,  and  wish  us  joy  of  it.  They  sat  there  near  an  hour 
wdth  Mrs.  Corwin  and  Wharton.  Gov^  Bradstreet  drank 
a  glass  or  two  of  wine,  eat  some  fruit,  took  a  pipe  of  Ta- 
bacco  in  the  new  Hall,^  and  wish'd  me  joy  of  the  house, 
and  desired  our  prayers ;  came  to  us  over  the  little  Stone- 
bridge  ;  went  away  between  12.  and  1.  in  Madam  Rich- 


1  Apivpos  of  the  new  hall,  we  may  mention  that  Sewall  elsewhere  writes 
that  he  was  married  "  in  what  we  call  the  Old  Hall;  it  was  then  all  in  one, 
a  very  large  room."  —  Eds. 


1095.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  413 

ards*s  new  Coach  and  horses.  About  three,  the  Lieut. 
Governour,  Mr.  Secretary,  Sergeant  and  Sewall  waited  on 
them  at  Madam  Richards's,  to  take  leave  ;  in  the  way  the 
Letter  met  us  giving  an  account  of  ten  men  shot  at  Petna- 
quid,  out  of  24.  going  to  get  wood  :  four  of  whom  are 
dead.  Hugh  March,  George's  Son,  was  killed  at  the  first 
shot.  This  was  Monday  was  Senight.  This  day,  Sept.  17, 
was  a  great  Training  at  Boston  :  many  Gentlemen  and 
Gentlewomen  dine  in  Tents  on  the  Common.  Colonel 
had  a  Standard  :  Great  firings  most  of  the  day.  I  should 
have  remembered  that  Gov^  Bradstreet  this  day  sent  the 
Halberts,  Copies  of  the  Records,  and  a  Loadstone  belong- 
ing to  the  Publick,  to  the  Secretary,  who  caus'd  them  to 
be  lodg'd  at  present  in  the  Town-house  Chamber ;  where 
I  saw  them  when  went  to  write  Letters  to  Capt.  March. 

Sept.  18.  Gov'^  Bradstreet  sets  sail  for  Salem  about  Six 
aclock  in  the  morning. 

This  day  Mr.  Torrey  and  his  wife,  Mr.  Willard  and  his 
wife,  and  Cous.  Quinsey  dine  with  us  ;  'tis  the  first  time 
has  been  at  our  house  with  his  new  wife  ;  was  much  pleas'd 
with  our  painted  shutters ;  in  pleasancy  said  he  thought 
he  had  been  got  into  Paradise.  This  day,  Sept.  18,  Mr, 
Cook  enters  the  Lists  with  Col.  Paige,  and  sues  for  Capt. 
Keyn's  Farm  again.  Gov^  Bradstreet  arriv'd  at  Salem 
about  3  P.M. 

Sixth-day,  Sept.  20.  Mr.  Borland's  Briganteen  arrives, 
6  weeks  from  Falmouth,  in  whom  comes  Mr.  Edward 
Brattle,  Mr.  Governeur,  &c.  The  Lord  Bellamont  is  made 
our  Governour.  Hardly  will  come  over  before  the  Spring. 
Confederats  have  had  success  against  Namur,  Cassal,  &c. 
Venetians  have  gained  a  great  Victory  over  the  Turks  in 
the  Morea. 

Oct.  11,  1695.  I  received  a  Letter  from  Cous.  Storke 
giving  an  account  of  the  death  of  my  dear  Unkle,  Mr. 
Richard  Dumer.     Meeting  at  Mr.  Serjeants. 

Oct.   12.     Jn"^  Cunable   finishes  the  Stairs  out  of  the 


414  DIARY"    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1695. 

wooden  house  to  the  top  of  the  Brick  house.  Little  Marj 
grows  a  little  better  after  very  sore  illness. 

Oct.  7*.^  Jn'^  Brown's  family,  of  Turkey  hill,  are  led 
captive.  All  are  brought  back  save  one  boy  that  was 
kill'd;  knock'd  the  rest  on  the  head,  save  an  infant. 

Oct.  14,  1695.  I  visit  Mrs.  Saunderson  and  pray  God 
to  grant  her  Mercy  and  Grace  to  help  in  time  of  need. 
Oct.  15.  She  dies.  Oct.  17.  Buried,  so  that  house  is 
emptied  of  its  ancient  Inhabitants.  Sewall,  Dumer,  Frary, 
Butler,  Hill,  Maryon,  bearers.  Lord  teach  me  to  abide  in, 
and  to  go  out  of  the  world.    Mr.  Moodey  at  the  Funeral. 

Seventh  day,  Oct.  19,  1695.  Pray'd  for  God's  Favour 
towards  Sam.  That  might  duely  wait  on  Christ  at  his 
Table  to  morrow  &c.,  with  fasting. 

Oct.  23,  1695.  My  dear  Mother  visits  us;  rides  behind 
Joseph  Gerrish  from  Rowley  this  day. 

Oct.  26.  Mr.  Banistar  watches,  and  calls  me  about 
break  of  day  to  see  the  Comet,  which  seems  to  point  from 
East  to  West. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  to  Capt.  Frary,  Dec.  12,  '95. 

Sir,  These  are  to  entreat  you  by  all  means,  to  have  No  more  to 
doe  with  this  Oath,  at  least  by  any  written  Explication ;  it  will  doe 
you  no  good  one  way,  and  will  do  you  hurt  the  other.  Hose  14.  8. 
I  am  heartily  sorry  for  the  advantage  that  is  against  you,  and  truly 
desirous  of  your  freedom ;  winch  makes  me  the  more  bold  in  thus 
vrriting.  I  presume  you  have  Mr.  Willard's  advice,  as  to  the  proper- 
est  method  w^hereby  to  disentangle  your  self.  Heartily  praying  God 
to  preserve  you  and  me  to  his  heavenly  Kingdom,  where  together 
we  may  tryumph  over  all  our  sins  and  enemies,  I  take  leave,  who  am, 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  obliged  friend, 

See  Febr.  4,  9|.  S.  S. 

Whereas  there  is  lately  printed  and  published  a  Pamphlet  in  Quarto, 
containing  Two  hundred  and  Sixty  pages,  entituled.  Truth  held  forth 
mid  maintained  &c.  hy  Thomas  Maule.     Printed  in  the  year  1695.^ 

'  Thomas  Maule,  whom  Hawthorne  has  turned  to  a  weird  use  in  his 
romance  of  the  "  House  of  Seven  Gables,"  had  made  himself  obnoxious  to 


1695.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  415 

Which  is  stuff'd  with  many  notorious  and  pernicious  Lies  and  Scan- 
dals, not  only  against  particular  and  privat  persons,  but  also  against 
the  Government,  Churches,  and  Ministry ;  And  against  those  Worthies 
who  first  followed  Christ  into  these  uttermost  ends  of  the  Earth  ;  As 
if  they  had  therein  loosed  themselves  from  His  Yoke,  and  shaken  ofi 
his  Burden  :  As  also  many  corrupt  Expressions  in  point  of  Doctrine, 
perverting  the  Scriptures,  and  subverting  the  True  Christian  Religion. 

The  Representatives  of  this  His  Majesties  Province  humbly  pray, 
that  the  Premises  may  be  enquired  into,  and  some  suitable  Testimony 
born  against  the  author  and  his  Evil  Work. 

Dec.  lil!'  1695.  Read  and  Voted  in  the  house  of  Representatives, 
and  pass'd  in  the  affirmative,  and  sent  up  to  the  honorable  Lieut. 
Govern  our  and  Council  for  a  Concurrence. 

Nehemiah  Jewett, 

Speaker. 
Vera  Copia  S.  S. 

Adjourned  to  the  26*.^  of  February. 

The  Lieut.  Governour,  before  the  Adjournment,  sent  for 
the  Deputies  in,  and  told  them  He  could  not  pass  the  Bill 
for  the  Tax,  without  His  Majesty  was  made  the  Grantee; 
and  could  not  pass  an  Act  to  conform  the  precept  to  that 
against  Non-Residents;  and  gave  them  this  time  to  con- 

the  authorities  by  protesting  against  the  severities  practised  towards  the 
Quakers.  He  came  to  this  country  when  he  was  twelve  years  old,  having 
been  born  in  England  in  1645,  and  was  a  trader  in  Salem.  Previous  to  the 
proceedings  referred  to  by  Sewall,  Maule  had  been  sentenced  by  the  County 
Court  to  be  whipped  ten  stripes  for  saying  that  Mr.  Higginson,  the  minister, 
"preached  lies,  and  that  his  instruction  was  the  doctrine  of  devils."  The 
man  with  whom  he  then  lodged  was  fined  for  entertaining  him.  He  says  in 
his  book  that  he  had  been  five  times  imprisoned,  thrice  distrained  of  his 
goods,  and  thrice  whipped. 

In  1694  he  published  the  book,  printed  in  Xew  York,  to  which  Sewall 
refers,  and  for  which  he  was  indicted  and  arraigned  before  the  Superior 
Court,  at  Salem,  Nov.  9,  1696.  The  judges  were  Danforth,  Cooke,  and 
Sewall.  Anthony  Checkley  was  Attorney-General.  As  will  be  seen  farther 
on.  Dr.  Benjamin  Bullivant,  whom  Dudley  had  made  an  attorney,  acted  as 
Maule's  legal  adviser.  Maule  proved  himself  a  keen  pleader  on  his  own 
behalf,  and  the  jury  brought  in  a  verdict  of  "not  guilty."  He  after- 
wards put  forth  another  publication,  "  Persecutors  Mauled  with  their  own 
Weapons."  He  died  in  1724.  A  very  full  sketch  of  the  author  and  of  his 
experiences  is  given  by  Mr.  A.  C.  Goodell,  in  "  Collections  of  Essex  Insti- 
tute "  Vol.  HI.— Eds. 


416  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1695. 

sider  of  it.  Capt.  Bond  went  home  from  Court  very  sick, 
and  then  Mr.  Jewett  was  chosen  Speaker  in  his  room. 

Sabbath,  December  15.  Capt.  Bond  dies  —  18*J.'  is 
buried. 

Dec.  19.  Thomas  Maule,  Shopkeeper  of  Salem,  is 
brought  before  the  Council  to  answere  for  his  printing 
and  publishing  a  pamphlet  quarto,  260.  pages,  entituled 
Truth  held  forth  and  maintained,  owns  the  book,  but  will 
not  own  all  till  sees  his  Copy  which  is  at  N.  York  with 

Bradford  who   printed   it.      Saith   he  writt  to   the 

Governour  of  New  York  before  he  could  get  it  printed. 
Book  is  order'd  to  be  burnt,  being  stuff'd  with  notorious 
Lyes  and  Scandals,  and  he  Recognises  to  answer  at  next 
Court  of  Assize  and  General  Goal  Delivery  to  be  held  for 
the  County  of  Essex.  He  acknowledg'd  that  what  was 
written  concerning  the  circumstance  of  Major  General 
Athertons  death,  was  a  mistake:  p.  112,  113.  was  chiefly 
insisted  on  against  him ;  which  believe  was  a  surprize  to 
him,  he  expecting  to  be  examined  in  some  point  of  Re- 
ligion, as  should  seem  by  his  bringing  his  Bible  under  his 
Arm. 

I  was  with  Dame  Walker,  and  Sam.  came  to  call  me  to 
take  T.  Maule's  Recognisance  ;  I  told  her  Sam.  was  there  : 
she  pray'd  God  to  bless  him,  and  to  bless  all  my  posterity. 

Dec.  20.  Dame  Walker  is  very  restless ;  said  she  was 
past  all  food  now,  had  quite  lost  her  Appetite.  Said,  why 
does  living  man  complain,  man  for  the  punishment  of  his 
Sin?  Justified  God,  and  pray'd  Him  to  help  her,  and 
enable  her  to  bear  what  He  laid  on  her ;  spoke  how  hard 
twas  to  comply  with  that  Text,  Thy  will  be  done ;  we 
would  fain  have  our  own  Wills ;  but  God  could  of  un- 
wilHng  make  us  willing.  Last  night  she  pray'd  that  God 
would  take  her  to  Himself.  When  I  took  leave  this  morn, 
she  Thank' d  me  for  all  my  Visits,  and  acknowledged  the 
kindness  of  me  and  my  family.  After  I  was  gon,  in  the 
Afternoon,  Dec.  20.  Mehetabel  sais  she  heard  her  Grand- 


1695.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  417 

mother  say,  How  long  Lord,  how  long  ?  Come  Lord 
Jesus  !  Mehetabel  asked  what  she  said  to  her,  she  reply'd, 
How  good  is  God. 

Seventh  day,  Dec.  21.  Between  8.  and  9.  I  went  to 
see  Dame  Walker,  and  found  her  very  weak  and  much 
alter'd.  Mehetabel  told  her  1  was  there,  she  said  with  a 
low  voice,  I  thank  him.  Afterward  Mehetabel  ask'd  her 
if  should  pray,  she  said,  I  stand  in  need.  Twas  the  last 
day  of  the  Week,  and  so  1  went  to  prayer,  insisting  on 
God's  being  a  present  help  in  time  of  need,  and  pray'd 
that  God  would  strengthen  her  Faith,  that  so  she  might 
enter  into  his  Rest.  I  ask'd  her  if  she  heard,  her  Answer 
was,  I  thank  God,  I  did.  I  went  home  to  Prayer,  Intend- 
ing after  that  to  go  to  Mr.  Willard  to  pray  him  to  give 
her  one  Lift  more  heaven-ward.  But  before  I  could  get 
away,  a  Girl  came  runing  to  call  me.  And  by  that  time 
I  could  get  thether,  the  Good  woman  had  expired,  or  was 
just  expiring,  being  about  Ten  of  the  clock  in  the  morn- 
ing. God  fulfilled  his  good  Word  in  her  and  kept  her 
Leaf  from  withering. 

She  had  an  odd  Conceipt  all  the  last  night  of  her  life^ 
that  she  was  in  Travail ;  and  though  she  ceas'd  groaning 
and  gave  attention  to  me  when  at  prayer ;  yet  one  of  the 
last  words  I  heard  her  say,  was,  My  child  is  dead  within 
me ;  w^hich  were  indeed  some  of  the  very  last. 

Second-day,  Dec.  23,  1695.  Dame  Walker  is  buried. 
Bearers,  Mr.  Ezek.  Chiever,  Capt.  Theophilus  Frary, 
Capt.  James  Hill,  William  Daws^a^er,  Jn""  Maryon  pater, 
Deacon  Joseph  Bridgham,  beside  a  2^^  set  of  Bearers ; 
Odlin,  Wheeler,  Butcher,  Jn""  Maryon  fit,  Joseph  Brisco. 
Major  General  Winthrop,  Mr.  Cook,  Mr.  Sergeant,  Mr. 
Addington,  Sewall  were  there,  of  the  Council ;  Mr.  Wil- 
lard, Mr.  Allen,  Mr.  Oakes,  Physician,  &c.  Women,  Mrs. 
Sergeant,  Mrs.  Willard,  Mrs.  Noyes,  Mrs.  Williams,  Mrs. 
Pierson.  my  Daughters,  cuyn  multis  alijs ;  very  comfort- 
able Wether  over  head,  somthing  dirty  under  foot.     Note, 

27 


418  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [169|. 

After  Sam  came  home,  he  was  exceedingly  affected,  shed 
many  Tears,  and  is  even  overwhelmed  with  Sorrow  :  The 
Lord  grant  that  the  removal  of  one  of  his  best  friends  may 
put  him  upon  seeking  unto  God  betimes  and  making  Him 
his  Hiding  Place.     Was  buried  just  about  Sun-set. 

Secund  day,  Jan.  6t^  169 1.  Kept  a  Day  of  Fasting  with 
Prayer  for  the  Conversion  of  my  Son,  and  his  settlement 
in  a  Trade  that  might  be  good  for  Soul  and  body.  Uxor 
prcegnans  est.  Governour's  expected  Arrival,  which  will 
bring  great  changes.  Suply  for  the  South-Church.  Three 
Courts  sit  to  morrow.  Lord's  Supper  the  next  Sabbath- 
day.  Mr.  Moodey's  Entanglements,  Watertown.  Church 
of  England.  New  England.  My  Hair.  Read  Epistles 
to  Timothy,  Titus,  Philemon,  Hebrews.  Sung  the  143, 
51,  and  130.  Psalms.  I  had  hope  that  seeing  God  par- 
don'd  all  Israel's  Iniquities,  He  would  pardon  mine,  as 
being  part  of  Israel. 

Seventh-day,  Jan.  4*^.  The  Revd.  Mr.  Edward  Bulkly, 
of  Concord,  dies  at  Chelmsford  in  a  good  old  Age ;  is  bur- 
ied at  Concord. 

Jan.  7*.^.  Deacon  Henry  Allen  dies.  Col.  Gedney's 
wife  is  dead  within  this  week. 

Jan.  8^.^  Unkle  Quinsey  lodg'd  here  last  night,  having 
received  a  Letter  from  Mr.  Gookin  to  desire  him,  agrees 
to  bind  Daniel  Gookin  to  Cous.  Dumer  for  8  years  from 
the  lO*.!'  of  March  next.  Not  being  able  to  stay,  desires 
me  to  see  it  effected.  Bulkly  and  Edmund  Quinsey  dine 
with  us. 

Jan.  11.  169|.  I  write  a  Letter  to  Mr.  Zech.  Walker 
acquainting  him  with  his  Mother's  death  and  Funeral ; 
that  some  Recompence  ought  to  be  made  to  Mehetabel 
and  Mary  for  their  faithfull  and  Laborious  Attendance  on 
their  Grandmother.^     Altho'  I  reckon  my  self  abundantly 

1  Savage  records  this  Mrs.  Walker  as  the  widow  of  the  Robert  Walker 
already  mentioned,  p.  47,  ante.  The  son  Zechariah  was  minister  at  Strat- 
ford, Conn.  — Eds. 


169f.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  419 

satisfied  for  any  little  Service  I  did  or  could  doe  for  our 
dear  friend,  by  her  desireable  Company  and  harty  Thanks ; 
yet  I  earnestly  desire  your  Prayers,  that  my  aged  Father 
and  Mother  may  live  and  die  with  such  like  Faith  and 
frame  of  Spirit  as  this  our  Sarah  did.  I  delivered  this 
Letter  to  be  given  to  the  Post  on  Second  day  morning, 
Jan.  13,  169|. 

About  10.  aclock  Jan.  13,  169|.  Cous.  Dumer  came  to 
invite  me  to  goe  along  with  him  to  Cambridge  to  visit  Mr. 
Danforth.  About  Noon  we  set  out,  and  at  Mr.  Danforth's 
Gate,  meet  with  Mr.  N.  Hobart  and  Trowbridge;  Mr. 
Danforth  made  us  dine  there ;  then  after  awhile,  Mr.  Ho- 
bart was  called  in  to  Pray,  which  he  did  excellently,  Mr. 
Morton  being  by,  who  came  with  us  from  the  Colledge. 
Note.  When  were  there  at  first,  Mr.  Danforth  bad  me 
look  on  the  Cup-board's  head  for  a  book ;  I  told  him  I 
saw  there  a  Law-book,  Wingate  on  the  Common  Law. 
He  said  he  would  lend  it  me,  I  should  speak  to  Amsden  to 
call  for  it ;  and  if  he  died,  he  would  give  it  me.  Again 
when  took  leave  after  prayer.  He  said  he  lent  me  that 
Book  not  to  wrap  up  but  to  read,  and  if  misliked  it,  should 
tell  him  of  it.  By  that  time  Cous.  and  I  could  get  to  the 
Ferry  twas  quite  dark.  Capt.  Hunting  told  us  the  River 
was  full  of  Ice  and  no  getting  over.  But  I  went  to  Sheaf 
and  he  hallowed  over  Jn''  Russell  again.  Boat  came  to 
Ballard's  Wharf  below  the  lodg'd  Ice,  from  whence  had  a 
very  comfortable  Passage  over  with  Madam  Foxcroft. 

When  I  came  in,  past  7.  at  night,  my  wife  met  me  in 
the  Entry  and  told  me  Betty  had  surprised  them.  I  was 
surprised  with  the  abruptness  of  the  Relation.  It  seems 
Betty  Sewall  had  given  some  signs  of  dejection  and  sor- 
row ;  but  a  little  after  diner  she  burst  out  into  an  amaz- 
ing cry,  which  caus'd  all  the  family  to  cry  too ;  Her 
Mother  ask'd  the  reason ;  she  gave  none ;  at  last  said  she 
was  afraid  she  should  goe  to  Hell,  her  Sins  were  not  par- 
don'd.     She  was  first  w^ounded  by  my  reading  a  Sermon 


420  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [169|. 

of  Mr.  Norton's,  about  the  5*^  of  Jan.  Text  Jn"  7.  34. 
Ye  shall  seek  me  and  shall  not  find  me.  And  those  words 
m  the  Sermon,  Jn""  8.  21.  Ye  shall  seek  me  and  shall  die 
in  your  sins,  ran  in  her  mind,  and  terrified  her  greatly. 
And  staying  at  home  Jan.  12.  she  read  out  of  Mr.  C'otton 
Mather  —  Why  hath  Satan  filled  thy  heart,  which  in- 
creas'd  her  Fear.  Her  Mother  ask'd  her  whether  she 
pray'd.  She  answer'd,  Yes  ;  but  feared  her  prayers  were 
not  heard  because  her  Sins  not  pardon'd.  Mr.  Willard 
though  sent  for  timelyer,  yet  not  being  told  of  the  mes- 
sage, till  bruised  Dinsdals  [?]  was  given  him ;  He  came  not 
till  after  1  came  home.  He  discoursed  with  Betty  who  could 
not  give  a  distinct  account,  but  was  confused  as  his  phrase 
w^as,  and  as  had  experienced  in  himself.  Mr.  Willard 
pray'd  excellently.  The  Lord  bring  Light  and  Comfort 
out  of  this  dark  and  dreadful  Cloud,  and  Grant  that 
Christ's  being  formed  in  my  dear  child,  may  be  the  issue 
of  these  painfull  pangs. 

Feb.  1.  169 1.  Sam.  Haugh  came  to  speak  about  Frank's 
burial :  1  sent  Atherton  away  before  and  spake  to  Sam  as 
to  his  Mistress'  Maid  being  with  child,  and  that  she  Laid 
it  to  him,  and  told  him  if  she  were  with  child  by  him,  it 
concerned  him  seriously  to  consider  what  were  best  to  be 
done ;  and  that  a  Father  was  obliged  to  look  after  Mother 
and  child.  Christ  would  one  day  call  him  to  an  account 
and  demand  of  him  what  was  become  of  the  child :  and 
if  [he]  married  not  the  woman,  he  would  always  keep  at 
a  distance  from  those  whose  temporal  and  spiritual  good 
he  was  bound  to  promote  to  the  uttermost  of  his  power. 
Could  not  discern  that  any  impression  was  made  on  him. 
I  remark'd  to  him  the  unsuitablenessx  of  his  frame  under  a 
business  of  so  great  and  solemn  Concern. 

Third-Day.  Feb.  4.  Mr.  Willard,  Major  Walley,  Capt. 
Frary  and  Seth  Perry  pater,  met  here  about  the  difference 
between  said  Frary  and  Perry.  Capt.  Frary  seems  now 
again  to  justifie  his  Oath,  and  what  he  did  before  was  out 


109|]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  421 

of  Surprize.  Major  Walley  desired  Mr.  Eliot  and  Holyoke 
to  meet  on  Lecture  day,  Feb.  6.  which  they  did,  and  sent 
for  Mr.  Perry.  This  day  Sennight  is  assigned  him  to 
bring  in  his  account. 

Sixth-day,  Feb.  7^^.  Mrs.  Alden  is  buried.  Bearers 
were  Mr.  Chiever,  Capt.  Hill,  Capt.  Williams,  Mr.  Walley, 
Mr.  Ballentine. 

Capt.  Frary  was  pass'd  by,  though  there,  which  several 
took  notice  of.  Note.  Last  night  Sam.  could  not  sleep 
because  of  my  Brother's  speaking  to  him  of  removing  to 
some  other  place,  mentioning  Mr.  Usher's.  I  put  him  to 
get  up  a  little  wood,  and  he  even  fainted,  at  which  Brother 
was  much  startled,  and  advis'd  to  remove  him  forthwith 
and  place  him  somewhere  else,  or  send  him  to  Salem  and 
he  would  doe  the  best  he  could  for  him.  Since,  I  have 
express'd  doubtfullness  to  Sam.  as  to  his  staying  there. 

He  mention'd  to  me  Mr.  Wads  worth's  Sermon  against 
Idleness,  which  was  an  Affliction  to  him.  He  said  his  was 
an  idle  Calling,  and  that  he  did  more  at  home  than  there, 
take  one  day  with  another.  And  he  mention'd  Mr.  Stod- 
dard's words  to  me,  that  should  place  him  with  a  good 
Master,  and  where  had  fullness  of  Imployment.  It  seems 
Sam.  overheard  him,  and  now  alleged  these  words  against 
his  being  where  he  was  because  of  his  idleness.  Mention'd 
also  the  difficulty  of  the  imployment  by  reason  of  the 
numerousness  of  Goods  and  hard  to  distinguish  them, 
many  not  being  marked ;  whereas  Books,  the  price  of 
them  was  set  down,  and  so  could  sell  them  readily.  I 
spake  to  Capt.  Checkly  again  and  again,  and  he  gave  me 
no  encouragement  that  his  being  there  would  be  to  Sam's 
profit ;  and  Mrs.  Checkly  always  discouraging. 

Mr.  Willard's  Sermon  from  those  Words,  What  doest 
thou  here  Elijah?  was  an  Occasion  to  hasten  the  Re- 
moval. 

Feb.  10.  Secund-day.  I  went  to  Mr.  Willard  to  ask 
whether  had  best  keep  him  at  home  to  day.     He  said, 


422  DIAKY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [169|. 

No  :  but  tell  Capt.  Checkly  first ;  but  when  I  came  back, 
Sam  was  weeping  and  much  discompos'd,  and  loth  to  goe 
because  it  was  a  little  later  than  usual^  so  I  thought  twas 
hardly  fit  for  him  to  go  in  that  Case,  and  went  to  Capt. 
Checkly  and  told  him  how  it  was,  and  thank' d  him  for  his 
kindness  to  Sam.  Capt.  Checkly  desired  Sam.  might  come 
to  their  house  and  not  be  strange  there,  for  which  I 
thank'd  him  very  kindly.  He  presented  his  Service  to 
my  wife,  and  I  to  his  who  was  in  her  Chamber.  Capt. 
Checkly  gave  me  Sam's  Copy-book  that  lay  in  a  drawer. 

Just  before  I  got  thether,  I  met  Mr.  Grafford  who  told 
me  that  Mumford  said  I  was  a  knave.  The  good  Lord 
give  me  Truth  in  the  inward  parts,  and  finally  give  Rest 
unto  my  dear  Son,  and  put  him  into  some  Calling  wherein 
He  will  accept  of  him  to  Serve  Him. 

Feb.  12.  169 1.  I  rode  to  Brooklin  with  one  Ems,  a 
Carpenter,  to  view  the  widow  Bairsto's  house,  in  order  to 
repairing  or  adding  to  it.  From  thence  to  G.  Bairsto's 
agen,  to  Devotions,  to  treat  with  him  about  a  piece  of 
ground  to  sell  it  me  and  issue  the  Controversy  about  a 
way.  From  thence  to  Cambridge,  to  Mr.  Wadsworth's 
Chamber,  where  found  GovT  Usher,  Mr.  Secretary,  &c. 
with  them  came  home,  got  to  Mr.  Allen's  by  4.  P.  M. 
Supp'd.  Sung  two  Staves  of  the  132'!  Ps.  begin  at  the 
13*^  verse.     Went  to  the  Meeting  at  Mrs.  Noyes's. 

Sabbath,  Feb.  16.  169|.  Mr.  Emmerson  preaches  twice 
in  the  new  Meetinghouse  at  Watertown,  which  is  the  first 
time.  Capt.  Checkly's  Son  Samuel  is  baptized  with  us. 
I  was  very  sorrowfull  by  reason  of  the  unsettledness  of 
my  Samuel. 

Feb.  22.  169 1.  Betty  comes  into  me  almost  as  soon  as 
I  was  up  and  tells  me  the  disquiet  she  had  when  waked ; 
told  me  was  afraid  should  go  to  Hell,  was  like  Spira,  not 
Elected.  Ask'd  her  what  I  should  pray  for,  she  said,  that 
God  would  pardon  her  Sin  and  give  her  a  new  heart.  I 
answer'd  her  Fears  as  well  as  I  could,  and  pray'd  with 


1696.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  423 

many  Tears  on  either  part ;  hope  God  heard  us.  I  gave 
her  solemnly  to  God. 

Feb.  26.  169|.  I  pray'd  with  Sam.  alone,  that  God 
would  direct  our  way  as  to  a  Calling  for  him. 

It  seems  John  Cornish  essay'd  yesterday  to  goe  to  carry 
Cloth  to  the  fulling-mill,  and  perished  in  the  Storm ;  this 
day  was  brought  frozen  to  Town,  a  very  sad  spectacle. 

By  reason  of  the  vehemency  of  the  Storm  yesterday, 
but  ten  Deputies  assemble,  so  that  the  Lieut.  Governour 
questions  whether  the  Court  be  not  fallen,  because  40. 
Constitute  a  House. 

Fifth-day,  27^.?.     32  Deputies  apear. 

Sixth-day.  Have  fourty  or  upward.  Chuse  Major 
Townsend  Speaker.  Lieut-Governour  was  much  disturb' d 
as  fearing  the  Court  could  not  legally  be  held,  because 
was  not  that  appearance  the  first  and  second  day  as  the 
Law  praescribes. 

Sabbath,  Apr.  12, 1696.  About  8  m.  it  begins  to  snow; 
by  noon  the  houses  and  ground  were  covered,  and  at  5 
P.M.  I  saw  an  Isicle  seven  inches  long.  This  new  Snow 
was  plentifully  to  be  seen  on  the  Ground  for  about  three 
days  space. 

Fifth-day,  Apr.  23,  1696.  News  is  brought  of  several 
of  our  men  killed  at  Tartooda  [Tortuga],  and  Six  Vessels 
Taken. 

Mr.  Daniel  Oliver  marries  Mrs.  Elisabeth  Belchar. 

Apr.  24.  Lydia  Moodey  visits  me,  and  tells  me  that 
Mr.  Phillips  of  Kowley  dyed  the  last  Wednesday,  the  same 
morn  we  read  —  The  prophets  do  they  live  for  ever  ?  in 
Zech.  1.     The  Lord  help  me  to  redeem  the  time. 

Sabbath,  May  3,  1696.  Betty  can  hardly  read  her 
chapter  for  weeping ;  tells  me  she  is  afraid  she  is  gon  back, 
does  not  taste  that  sweetness  in  reading  the  Word  which 
once  she  did ;  fears  that  what  was  once  upon  her  is  worn 
off.  I  said  what  I  could  to  her,  and  in  the  evening  pray'd 
with  her  alone. 


424  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1696 

Fifth-day,  May  7,  1696.  Col.  Shrimp  ton  marries  his 
Son  to  his  wive's  Sisters  daughter.  EUsabeth  RichardsonJ 
All  of  the  Council  in  Town  were  invited  to  the  Wedding, 
and  many  others.  Only  I  was  not  spoken  to.  As  I  was 
glad  not  to  be  there  because  the  lawfullness  of  the  inter- 
marrying of  Cousin-Germans  is  doubted;  so  it  grieves  me 
to  be  taken  up  in  the  Lips  of  Talkers,  and  to  be  in  such 
a  Condition  that  Col.  Shrimpton  shall  be  under  a  tempta- 
tion in  defence  of  Himself,  to  wound  me ;  if  any  should 
hap  en  to  say.  Why  was  not  such  a  one  here  ?  The  Lord 
help  me  not  to  do,  or  neglect  any  thing  that  should  pre- 
vent the  dwelling  of  brethren  together  in  unity.  And, 
Oh  most  bountifull  and  Gracious  God,  who  givest  liberally 
and  upbraidest  not,  admit  me  humbly  to  bespeak  an  Invi- 
tation to  the  Marriage  of  the  Lamb,  and  let  thy  Grace 
with  me  and  in  me  be  sufficient  for  me  in  making  my  self 
Ready.  And  out  of  thy  Infinite  and  Unaccountable  Com- 
passions, place  me  among  those  who  shall  not  be  left ;  but 
shall  be  accepted  by  Thee  here,  and  Taken  into  Glory 
hereafter.  Though  I  am  beyond  Conception  Vile,  who 
may  say  unto  Thee,  What  doest  thou  ?  Thou  canst  justify 
thy  self  in  thy  proceedings.  And  0,  Lord  God  forgive  all 
my  unsuitable  deportment  at  thy  Table  the  last  Sabbath- 
Day,  that  Wedding  Day ;  and  if  ever  I  be  again  invited 
(Invite  me  once  again)  help  me  entirely  to  give  my  self  to 
thy  Son  as  to  my  most  endeared  Lord  and  Husband.  And 
let  my  dear  Wife  and  all  my  children,  partake  in  this  priv- 
iledge,  and  that  not  as  Umbras,  but  on  their  own  account. 

May  11*.?  1696.  Joseph  falls  down  and  breaks  his  for- 
head  so  as  bleeds  pretty  much. 

May  11^!'  1696.     Town-Meeting  to  chuse  Assembly-men, 

^  Much  interesting  information  about  the  Shrimptons  and  their  connec- 
tions is  given  in  General  Sumner's  History  of  East  Boston.  It  may  be 
noticed  that  Mrs.  Shrimpton  married,  thirdly,  Simeon  Stoddard;  and  her 
niece,  wife  of  Samuel  Shrimpton,  Jr.,  married,  secondly,  David  Stoddard, 
son  of  Simeon:  thus  in  two  families  successively  maintaining  the  same  rela- 
tionship to  each  other.  —  Eds. 


1696.]  DIAEY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  425 

134.  there  ;  Mr.  Eyre  had  88.  Major  Townsend  85.  Capt. 
Byfield  82.  Mr.  Oliver  74.  Mr.  Tho.  Brattle  had  67. 
Left  out  Mr.  Bromfield,  Thornton,  Frary. 

May  12,  1696.  Cous.  Dinner,  Mr.  Eyre,  Bromfield, 
went  with  me  to  Mr.  Increase  Mather  and  acknowledged 
that  his  Preaching  the  Lecture  once  or  twice  Avas  very 
pleasing  to  us,  and  that  we  were  thankf  ull  for  it,  and  de- 
sired more ;  that  He  would  please  to  preach  in  course,  as 
being  as  diffusive  a  way  of  doing  good,  as  any  in  our 
Little  Israel.  He  treated  us  with  Respect  and  some  En- 
couragement, I  hope. 

Fourth-day,  May  13,  1696.  Mr.  Willard,  Capt.  AYyllys, 
Capt.  Frary,  and  Mr.  Sheaf  met  at  my  house  about  the 
difference  between  said  Frary  and  Mr.  Perry ;  AYyllys, 
Sheaf  and  I  told  him  plainly  that  it  had  been  well  the 
matter  had  been  issued  by  their  mutual  Confession  to 
each  other  at  their  privat  Meeting,  as  was  once  intended. 
He  persisted  and  said  he  knew  certainly  that  what  he  had 
sworn  was  true ;  I  told  him  the  less  was  said  of  that  na- 
ture, the  better  twould  be,  it  was  so  long  agoe  ;  and  if  Mr. 
Eliot  was  possess'd,  Mrs.  Eliot  his  Mother  must  be  his 
Tenant ;  whereas  the  father's  Will  made  him  her  Servant, 
and  nature  too,  he  being  under  age ;  and  the  Scripture 
saith  the  Heir  under  age  differs  little  from  a  Servant.^ 

1  We  have  not  been  able  to  explain  this  matter  satisfactorily,  but  we  sur- 
mise that  it  related  in  some  way  to  lands.  Theophilus  Frary  married  the 
sister  of  Captain  Jacob  Eliot ;  and  the  widow  and  children  of  the  latter  were 
then  alive.  Eliot  died  intestate,  but  the  children  divided  the  lands  by  agree- 
ment, in  Suff.  Wills,  lib.  14,  f.  396.  Frary  was  guardian  of  the  youngest 
son,  Benjamin,  Aug.  27,  1696  (Suff.  Deeds,  lib.  17,  f.  349)  Joseph  Eliot, 
as  oldest  son  of  Jacob  Eliot,  deceased,  released  to  Seth  Perry  all  his  interest 
in  said  Penny's  messuage  lying  at  the  southerly  end  of  the  town  between  lands 
of  Captain  Ephraim  Savage  and  of  Samuel  Veazy. 

These  lands  were  all  on  the  south  side  of  Boylston  Street,  between  "Wash- 
ington and  Tremont  Streets.  We  have  found  no  deed  of  any  earlier  Eliot  to 
Perry  or  Veazy,  and  we  presume  that  these  lots,  which  were  clearly  part  of 
the  original  Eliot  lot,  had  been  sold  without  a  deed  recorded.  Hence  we 
suspect  at  this  time  there  was  some  question  about  title,  and  finally  a  re 
lease  from  the  oldest  heir,  Joseph  Eliot.  —  Eds. 


426  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1696. 

May  18.  By  reason  of  the  Major  Generall's  illness,  I 
am  forced  to  go  to  Ipswich  Court ;  and  being  to  go,  my 
wife  desir'd  me  to  go  on  to  Newbury ;  I  went  with  Brother 
on  Wednesday  night.  Visited  Father,  Mother,  Friends, 
returned  to  Salem,  got  thether  about  Nine.  Supp'd  well 
with  the  Fish  bought  out  of  Wenham  Pond.  Between 
eleven  and  noon,  Tho.  Messenger  comes  in,  and  brings  me 
the  amazing  news  of  my  Wive's  hard  Time  and  my  Son's 
being  Still-born.  We  get  up  our  Horses  from  the  Ship, 
and  set  out  by  Starhght  about  12,  yet  the  Bells  rung  for 
five  before  we  got  over  the  Ferry.  Found  my  wife  as 
well  as  usually  ;  but  I  was  grievously  stung  to  find  a  sweet 
desirable  Son  dead,  who  had  none  of  my  help  to  succour 
him  and  save  his  Life.  The  Lord  pardon  all  my  Sin,  and 
Wandering  and  Neglect,  and  sanctify  to  me  this  singular 
Affliction.     These  Tears  I  weep  over  my  abortive  Son. 

Causa  parata  mihi  est,  et  vitce,  et  mortis,  ibidem  ; 

In  tredecim,  Solus  denegor,  ire  for  as, 
sanet 
Spes  tamen  hcec  maneat,  stimulante  dolore,  parentes. 

Ad  memet  Jesus  introijsse  potest. 

Fourth  day.  May  27,  1696.  Election.  Eainy  day, 
which  wet  the  Troops  that  waited  on  the  Lieut.  Govern- 
our  to  Town.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  preaches.  Powring 
out  Water  at  Mispeh,  the  Text. 

Votes.  —  Stoughton   60 — Danforth   65 — Pynchon  61 

—  Russel  55  —  Gedney  69  —  Winthrop  58  —  Hathorn  62 

—  Hutchinson  Elisha  79  —  Sewall  70  —  Addington  71  — 
Cook  72  —  Brown  55  —  Philhps  58  —  Cor  win  46  — 
Shrimpton  57  —  Foster  62  —  Perce  53  —  Sergeant  45. 
Major  Pike  had  32,  so  Col.  Shrimpton  comej*  in  his 
room. 

Plimouth  —  Bradford  65  —  Lothrop  67  —  Thomas  66  — 
Thacher  41. 

Main[e]  —  E""  Hutchinson,  Frost,  Wheelwright,  votes 
so  unanimous  that  they  were  not  parted. 


1696.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  42*1 

Sagadahoc  —  Joseph  Lynde  41.  Note.  Mr.  Tho.  Brat- 
tle had  21. 

At  Large.  Yagum/  Wallej,  39.  Saffin  39.  Note. 
Capt.  John  Apleton  had  26.  I  have  fallen  7  since  last 
year ;  the  Lord  advance  me  in  real  worth,  and  his 
esteem. 

May  28.  Our  two  old  Nurses  got  my  Wife  on  the  Pal- 
la  t-Bed,  which  much  discomposed  her,  put  her  in  great 
pain,  and  all  in  great  fear.     Grows  better  by  morn. 

May  29.     Sabbath,  May  31,  1696. 

Mr.  Willard  is  so  faint  with  his  Flux,  that  is  not  able  to 
come  abroad,  and  so  there  is  a  disapointment  of  the 
Lord's  Super,  which  should  otherwise  have  been  cele- 
brated this  day.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  preaches,  exhorts  us 
to  examine  our  selvs,  whether  we  were  prepared  for 
that  Ordinance.  And  said  that  Humiliation  for  the  dis- 
apointm*,  and  mourning  after  Christ,  God  might  make  as 
profitable  to  us  as  the  Ordinance. 

May  30.  Post  brings  from  New- York  a  confirmation  of 
the  News  about  the  Plot,^  and  a  printed  Proclamation  for 
the  Thanksgiving  in  England :  It  seems  the  Governour 
has  a  Packet. 

Second-day,  June  1,  1696.  Mr.  Wigglesworth  preaches 
the  Artillery  sermon,  from  Ephes.  6,  11.  Put  on  the 
whole  Armour  of  God,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  stand 
against  the  wiles  of  the  Devil.  In  the  Aplications,  said 
'twas  necessary  we  should  doe  so  by  reason  of  the  evil  of 
the  Times  or  else  of  Popery,  or  something  as  bad  as 
Popery  should  come  to  be  set  up.  What  should  we  doe  ? 
Mentioned  Rev.  16,  15,  said  the  Garments  there  and  Ar- 
mour in  the  Text  were  the  same.  About  Diner  Time  the 
Guns  were  fired  at  the  Castle  and  Battery  for  joy  that  the 
Plot  was  discovered. 

1  This  word  "  vagmn  "  evidently  is  used  for  "  at  large."  Another  exam« 
pie  occurs  on  p.  407,  ante.  —  Eds. 

*  See  Macaulay's  History,  Chapter  XXI.  — Eds. 


428  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1696. 

June  11,  1696.  I  strove  with  my  might  that  in  stead 
of  Tuesday,  Thursday,  and  Satterday  in  every  Week,  it 
might  be  said,  Third,  fifth  and  seventh  day  in  every  week  : 
but  could  not  prevail,  hardly  one  in  the  Council  would 
secund  me,  and  many  spake  against  it  very  earnestly ; 
although  I  asked  not  to  have  it  chang'd  in  the  Fairs. 
Some  said  twas  the  speech  of  the  English  Nation ;  mend 
it  in  the  Fasts ;  mend  it  every  where  or  no  where,  others 
said  persons  would  scarce  know  what  days  were  intended  ; 
and  in  England  would  call  us  Quakers.  I  urg'd  that  the 
Week  only,  of  all  parcells  of  time,  was  of  Divine  Institution, 
erected  by  God  as  a  monumental  pillar  for  a  memorial  of 
the  Creation  perfected  in  so  many  distinct  days. 

June  19.  News  is  brought  to  Town  of  Cap*  Berries 
being  slain. 

June  20*?"  W^i  Yeisy  is  bound  over  for  plowing  on 
the  day  of  Thanksgiving  &c.  News  comes  that  the  em- 
bargo is  kept  strictly  in  England. 

Legendiim. 

At  Edinburg  Oct!  27,  1695,  in  the  Colledge,  it  being 
the  Sabbath,  and  their  Sacrament  day,  One  Mr.  John 
Moncrife,  preaching  on  that  Text,  Jer.  3,  22,  Eeturn 
you  backsliding  children,  and  1  will  heal  your  back-slid- 
inors  :  Behold  we  come  unto  Thee  for  thou  art  the  Lord  our 

o 

God,  —  Between  the  hours  of  10  and  11,  there  came  such  a 
down-powring  of  the  spirit  of  God  on  the  whole  Congre- 
gation (supposed  to  be  3  or  4000),  that  they  all  cryed 
out,  not  being  able  to  contain  themselves :  So  that  the 
Minister  could  not  be  heard ;  but  was  forced  to  give  over 
preaching  to  the  people ;  and  sung  a  Psalm  to  compose 
them.  A  person  present  adds,  that  he  and  100.  more 
never  saw  Heaven  on  Earth  before,  being  like  Peter  on  the 
Mount,  or  Jacob  in  Bethel,  or  Paul  in  a  Rapture.  For 
the  Lord  came  down  with  the  Shout  of  a  King  among 
them,  so  that  they  could  have  been  content  to  have  built 


1696.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  429 

Tabernacles  there;  which  has  dash'd  the  Jacobite  party 
more  than  all  the  Kings  forces  could  doe. 

From  London  by  the  ships  that  arrived  July  12,  1696. 

July  12,  1696.  By  reason  of  fire  on  Mrs.  Phillips  stone 
house  over  against  the  Town  house,  the  morn.  Exercise 
was  tumultuously  interrupted,  both  at  the  old  meeting- 
house and  ours. 

The  North  [Church]  who  had  no  impression  from  this, 
were  much  disturbed  by  the  Alarm  from  the  Castle,  which 
a  man  rashly  told  them  of  as  were  celebrating  the  Lds 
Super.  About  One  the  Drums  beat  throw  the  Town,  all 
goe  into  Arms.  Nantasket  Beacon  began.  Had  order  it 
seems  on  the  sight  of  2  great  ships  to  fire  it,  because  of 
the  2  who  lately  took  Capt.  Paxton.  In  the  Afternoon 
some  went  to  Meeting ;  ab*  30.  men  in  all  at  ours.  North 
met  not  till  ab*  5  P.M.  when  our  exercise  was  over ;  went 
to  the  Townhouse  and  after  a  while  P  ^per']  Mr.  Whit- 
tingham  rec'd  the  Packet  which  makes  void  many  of  our 
Laws ;  viz.  Courts,  Colledge,  Habeas  Corpus,  Forms  of 
Writts  &c.  and  Confirms  many  others.^ 

July,  23.  In  the  Evening  were  much  startled  by  a 
Letter  from  Gov!"  Usher,  of  many  ships  seen  off  and  their 
Province  in  Arms  upon  it.  Lt.  Govy  came  in  his  Charet 
to  my  house,  and  sent  for  the  Council.  Maj^  Gen-,  Mr. 
Cook,  Mr.  Secretary,  Mr.  Foster,  Serjeant,  Maj?"  Walley 
came,  Maj!"  Townsend  also  sent  for  and  came  :  After  a 
while,  the  Captain  of  the  Castle  comes  in,  and  informs  us 


1  By  the  new  Charter,  all  "  orders,  laws,  statutes  and  ordinances  "  made 
by  the  General  Court,  were  required  to  have  the  written  consent  of  the  Gov- 
ernor ;  they  were  then  to  be  transmitted  by  the  first  opportunity  for  the  royal 
approval.  If  rejected  within  the  space  of  three  years  after  they  were  pre- 
sented to  the  Privy  Council,  they  became  void;  but  a  failure  to  reject  within 
that  time  was  equivalent  to  a  confirmation. 

In  preparing  the  admirable  edition  of  the  Province  Laws,  edited  by 
Messrs.  A.  C.  Goodell,  Jr.,  and  Ellis  Ames,  now  in  course  of  publication, 
recourse  has  been  had  to  the  records  of  the  English  Government,  and  the 
histoiy  of  the  rejected  acts  is  carefully  given.  —  Eds. 


430  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1696. 

that  twas  the  Mast-Fleet  from  Engl'd,  so  were  comfortably 
dismiss'd  between  9  and  10  of  the  Clock. 

July  26.  We  hear  that  Mr.  Biillivant  and  Mr.  Myles 
[Rector  of  Kings  Chapel]  are  come.^ 

27*^  At  the  Council  the  Lt.  GovT  reads  the  Letters 
that  give  notice  from  the  Lords  ^  of  a  French  Squadron  in- 
tending for  America :  they  will  afford  us  what  Assistance 
they  can  under  the  present  Circumstance  of  Affairs. 
Reads  also  Mr.  Blathwayts  Letter  recomending  the  sub- 
scribing the  Association  ^  by  all  in  publick  place  and  Trust, 
with  one  drawn  for  that  purpose.  This  day  also  receiv'd 
an  Express  from  Col.  Pynchon,  of  Count  Frontenac's 
coming  ag!  the  5  Nations,  or  Albany,  or  N.  E.,  or  all,  with 
2000  French  and  1000  Indians :  Casteen  with  4  or  500 
to  hold  us  in  play  the  mean  while.  The  wind  coming 
North  last  night  ships  arrive  at  Nantasket  this  morn.  Mr. 
Myles  and  Bullivant  come  to  Town. 

July  26.  Mr.  Yeisy  preach'd  at  the  Ch.  of  Engl'd ; 
had   many  Auditors.^     He  was  spoken  to  to  preach  for 


^  Dr.  Benjamin  Bullivant  was  one  of  Andros's  partisans,  and  was  im- 
prisoned at  the  Revolution.  Hutchinson  (Hist.  ii.  113)  records  a  story  about 
him  and  Governor  Bellomont.  Bullivant  was  in  Northampton,  Eng.,  in 
1711,  when  he  wrote  a  letter  to  John  Dunton,  published  in  Dunton's  Letters 
(Prince  Soc.  Pub.),  p.  94,  95.  —Eds. 

2  Commissioners  composing  the  Board  of  Trade  and  Plantations,  which 
was  revived  by  William  III.  in  December,  1695.  —  Eds. 

8  After  the  Assassination  Plot,  "  an  Association  abjuring  the  title  of 
James,  and  pledging  the  subscribers  to  revenge  the  King's  death  .  .  .  was 
generally  signed  by  both  Houses  of  Parliament,  and  throughout  the  king- 
dom."    Hallam,  Const.  Hist.,  Chap.  XV.  —  Eds. 

*  Savage  records  Rev.  William  Veazie,  H.  C.  1693,  also  A.M.  at  Oxford, 
as  being  an  Episcopal  minister  at  New  York.  He  regards  this  William,  and 
also  John  (H.  C.  1700),  hereinafter  mentioned,  as  grandsons  of  William 
v.,  of  Braintree.  K  so,  they  were  sons  either  of  Solomon  or  William,  Jr., 
as  the  other  son  of  William,  Sen.,  was  Captain  Samuel,  of  Boston,  who 
died  s.  p.  Rev.  William  Veazie,  born  in  Braintree,  in  1674,  after  his  gradu- 
ating at  Harvard,  studied  theology  with  the  Rev.  Samuel  Myles,  Rector  of 
King's  Chapel.  He  was  one  of  the  first  of  the  young  men  referred  to  by 
President  Mather  at  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Wadsworth,  of  the  First  Church, 
as  noticed  by  Sewall  on  p.  432,  following,  "  who  had  apostatised  from  New 


1696.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  431 

Mr.  Willard;  but  am  told  this  will  procure  him  a  dis- 
charge. 

Third  day  Augt  4.  Pemaquid  Fort  is  sumond  by  the 
French  :  the  two  ships  which  took  the  Newport  Gaily,  and 
said  Gaily ;  besides  many  hundreds  by  Land. 

Fourth  day  Aug*  5*^.^  sumond  them  again,  and  for  fear 
of  their  Guns,  Bombs  and  numbers,  Capt  Chub  surren- 
dred,  and  then  they  blew  up  the  Fort.  This  News  came 
to  Town  Aug*  10.  Capt.  Paxton  brought  it;  just  after 
publishing  the  Act^  referring  to  Navigation.  Fourth-day 
Augt.  12,  1696.  Mr.  Melyen,  upon  a  slight  occasion, 
spoke  to  me  very  smartly  about  the  Salem  Witchcraft : 
in  discourse  he  said,  if  a  man  should  take  Beacon  hill 
on  's  back,  carry  it  away;  and  then  bring  it  and  set 
it  in  its  place  again,  he  should  not  make  any  thing  of 
that.^ 

Seventh-day,  Aug*  15*.^  Bro?"  St.  Sewall  comes  to  Town ; 
Gets  an  order  to  Col.  Hathorne  for  erecting  a  Beacon  on 
Pigeon  hill  on  Cape- Anne,  and  for  pressing  20.  men  at 
Marble-head.  This  day  vessels  arrive  from  Barbados, 
bring  news  of  10.  great  ships  at  Petit  Quavers,  of  between 
60  and  90  Guns.  Mr.  Williams,  the  physician,  and  his  wife 
are  both  dead.  Mrs.  Hatch  and  her  children  in  Tears  for 
the  death  of  her  husband,  which  was  brought  to  her  about 
an  hour  by  Sun.  We  are  in  pain  for  Saco  fort.  Guns 
were  heard  thrice  on  fifth  day  all  day  long.     One  Peters 


England  principles,  contrary  to  the  Light  of  their  education,"  by  conform- 
ing to  the  English  Church.  He  went  to  England  for  orders  in  the  spring  of 
1697.  He  became  the  first  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York;  and,  in 
1712,  was  appointed  by  the  Bishop  of  London  as  his  Commissary.  His 
being  "spoken  to  to  preach  for  Mr.  Willard,"  before  he  had  taken  orders, 
was  probably  in  compliment  to  his  antecedents,  while,  by  complying,  he 
might  have  perilled  his  Episcopal  standing.  — Eds. 

1  Probably  St.  7  and  8  William  HI.  Chap.  22.  —Eds. 

2  Probably  alluding  to  the  case  of  the  Rev.  George  Burroughs,  whose 
*'  preternatural  strength  "  came  in  as  evidence  against  him  on  his  trial  and 
condemnation  for  witchcraft.  —  Eds. 


432  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1696. 

and  Iloyt  scalp'd  at  Andover  this  week;  were  not  shot, 
but  knock'd  on  the  head. 

Aug*  24.  Betty  rides  to  Salem,  to  sojourn  there  awhile : 
Sam  carries  Joana  Gerrish  to  Newbury. 

7'  5*.^  Little  Mehetabel  Fifield  dies,  being  about  8 
weeks  old. 

Sepf  7*.^  Jane  sets  sail  for  Newbury  with  little  Sarah ; 
supose  got  thether  the  next  day. 

Septf  8.  Mr.  Benj-  Wadsworth  is  ordain'd  pastor  of 
the  first  Church.  Mr.  Allin  gave  the  charge,  Mr.  I.  Mather 
gave  the  Right  Hand  of  Fellowship :  Spake  notably  of 
some  young  men  who  had  apostatized  from  New  Eng- 
land principles,  contrary  to  the  Light  of  their  educa- 
tion :  was  glad  that  he  [Mr.  Wadsworth]  was  of  another 
spirit.  Mr.  Willard  was  one  who  joined  in  laying  on  of 
hands. 

Sept^  9.  Purchase  Capen  had  been  guiiing,  or  shot  a 
fowl  by  the  by  as  was  at  work :  charg'd  his  Gun  which 
others  knew  not  of,  laid  it  down  as  was  about  to  go  home 
at  night ;  a  Lad  took  it  up  in  sport  and  held  it  out,  it 
went  off  and  killed  the  Owner. 

Septf  10.  Mr.  Walter  preaches  the  Lecture,  made 
a  very  good  sermon.  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  to  hate 
Evil. 

Letter.  Mrs.  Martha  Oakes.^  Not  finding  oportunity  to 
speak  with  you  at  your  house,  nor  at  my  own,  I  write,  to  per- 
suade you  to  be  sensible  that  your  striking  your  daugliter- 
in-law  before  me,  in  my  house,  is  not  justifiable :  though 
twas  but  a  small  blow,  twas  not  a  small  fault :  especially 


1  It  may  be  presumed  that  this  was  Martha,  wife  of  Dr.  Thomas  Oakes, 
of  Boston,  brother  of  President  Urian  Oakes,  of  Harvard.  Savage  mentions 
only  the  wife's  Christian  name,  without  giving  her  family  name.  Oakes 
had  been  agent  to  England,  and  possibly  may  have  married  there.  The 
letter  seems  to  be  addressed  to  some  one  not  of  New  England  birth,  and 
possibly  the  term  "  daughter-in-law  "  may  be  used,  as  it  often  is,  for  *'  step- 
daughter." —  Eds. 


]  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  433 

considering  your  promise  to  refrain  from  speech  it  self ; 
or  at  least  any  that  might  give  disturbance.  As  for  New 
England,  It  is  a  cleaner  Country  than  ever  you  were  in  be- 
fore, and,  therefore,  with  disdain  to  term  it  Jilthi/,  is  a  sort 
of  Blasphemie,  which,  by  proceeding,  out  of  your  mouth, 
hath  defiled  you.  I  write  not  this  to  upbraid,  but  to  ad- 
monish you,  with  whom  I  sympathize  under  your  extraor- 
dinary provocations  and  pressures ;  and  pray  God  comand 
yon  freedom  from  them.     S.  S. 

7'  14.  1696.  Went  with  Mr.  Moodey,  and  visited  Mrs. 
Collins,  John  Soley,  and  Mr.  Wigglesworth  and  his  Wife, 
dined  with  them ;  I  furnished  New  England  Salt. 

S^  16.  Keep  a  day  of  Prayer  in  the  East  end  of  the 
Town-House,  Gov!",  Council  and  Assembly.  Mr.  Morton 
begun  with  Prayer,  Mr.  Allin  pray'd,  Mr.  Willard  preached 
—  If  God  be  with  us  who  can  be  against  us  ?  —  Spake 
smartly  at  last  about  the  Salem  Witchcrafts,  and  that  no 
order  had  been  suffer'd  to  come  forth  by  Authority  to 
ask  Gods  pardon. 

Mr.  Torrey  pray'd,  Mr.  Moodey ;  both  excellently :  All 
pray'd  hard  for  the  persons  gon  forth  in  the  expedition.^ 
75  17-  Mr.  Moodey  preacheth  the  Lecture  from  Act. 
13.  36.  For  David  after  He  had  served  his  own  Genera- 
tion &c :  made  a  very  good  Sermon  ;  Din'd  with  Mr.  Dan- 
forth,  Winthrop,  Gedney,  Russel,  Sewall  —  about  10,  at 
Meers's. 

7""  18,  p.  m.  The  Council  and  Representatives  sub- 
scribe the  Association.^     In  the  morn  had  warm  discourse 


1  Hutchinson  writes  (Hist.  II.,  94,  95)  that  when  the  news  of  Captain 
Chubb's  surrender  reached  Boston,  five  hundred  men  were  raised  without 
delay,  and  sent  to  Portsmouth.  Thence  they  proceeded  to  the  eastward,  and 
sighted  the  French  vessels  as  they  left  Penobscot.  No  engagement  followed, 
however,  and  the  troops  returned  to  Boston.  — Eds. 

■^  Macaulay,  in  the  twenty-first  chapter  of  his  History,  describes  the  Jacobite 
Plot  for  the  assassination  of  King  William  in  February,  1696.  When  it  be- 
came known,  the  members  of  Parliament  formed  an  association  for  his  de- 
fence and  that  of  the  country.      The  example  was  followed  here,  as   the 

28 


434  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1696. 

whether  the  Court  could  sit  or  no,  because  the  writ  bj 
which  twas  call'd  was  made  void ;  at  last  spake  round  and 
were  then  quiet.  Gov!"  said  he  was  resolved  to  hold  the 
Court  if  so  many  would  abide  with  Him  as  were  capable. 

7^  25*!^  1696.  Mr.  John  Glover  is  buried.  Col.  Pyn- 
chon,  Mr.  Cook,  Mr.  P.  Sergeant  and  Mr.  Oakes  were 
there.     Drew  up  a  Letter  to  the  Duke  of  Shrewsbury. 

Oct-  3.  David  Edwards  is  buried.  The  Revival  of 
Courts  is  published;  and  the  Court  adjourned  to  the  18. 
Nov!"  1,  p.  m  Some  mov'd  for  a  Disolution,  saying  fear'd 
we  were  not  on  a  good  bottom,  which  anger'd  the  L*  Govf 
Sepf  29.  1696.  Mr.  Wigglesworth  and  his  wife  lodge 
here. 

Octr  3.  1696.  Mr.  Joseph  Baxter  lodges  here,  being  to 
preach  for  Mr.  Willard  on  the  Sabbath :  Deacon  Frary 
came  to  me  on  Friday  ;  told  me  Mr.  Willard  put  him  upon 
getting  help  on  the  fifth  day  at  even,  because  disapointed 


following  document,  remaining  in  our  Archives,  with  the  signatures  of  all 
the  members  of  the  Legislature,  attests:  — 

"By  the  Hon^'®  William  Stoughton,  Esq^  Lieut  Govern,  and  Com- 
mander-in-Chief, the  Council  and  Representatives  of  his  Ma*y'*  Prov- 
ince of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  in  New  England  in  America,  An 
Association. 
"  WJiereas  there  has  been  a  horrid  and  detestable  Conspiracy  formed  and 
carried  on  by  Papists  and  other  wicked  and  traiterous  persons  for  assassi- 
nating his  Ma*>''^  Royal  person,  in  order  to  encourage  an  Invasion  from 
France,  to  subvert  our  Religion,  Laws  and  Liberty,  We  whose  names  are 
hereunto  subscribed,  do  heartily,  sincerely  and  solemnly  profess,  testify  and 
declare,  That  his  present  Ma*^  King  William  is  rightful  and  lawful  King  of 
the  Realms  of  England,  Scotland  and  L^eland.  And  we  do  mutually  prom- 
ise and  engage  to  stand  by  and  assist  each  other  to  the  utmost  of  our  power 
in  the  support  and  Defence  of  his  Ma*y*  most  sacred  Person  and  Government, 
against  the  late  King  James  and  all  his  Adherents.  And  in  case  his  Ma*^ 
come  to  any  violent  or  untimely  death  (which  God  forbid),  We  do  hereby 
further  freely  and  unanimously  oblige  ourselves  to  unite,  associate  and 
Stand  by  each  other  in  revengeing  the  same  upon  his  Enemies  and  their  Ad- 
herents, and  in  supporting  and  defending  the  Succession  of  the  Crown 
according  to  an  Act  made  in  the  first  year  of  the  Reign  of  King  William 
and  Queen  Mary,  Entitled  an  Act  Declaring  the  Rights  and  Liberties  of  iha 
Subject,  and  Setling  the  Succession  of  the  Crown."  —  Eds. 


1696.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  435 

of  Mr.  Sparhawk.  He  sent  that  even  to  Braintrey ;  but 
for  fear  of  failing  rode  thether  himself  on  Sixth-day  morn 
and  secured  Him  :  After  the  Meeting  at  Bro""  Wheelers, 
came  and  told  me  of  it,  and  earnestly  proposed  to  me  that 
He  might  lodge  at  my  house  ;  which  I  thought  I  could  not 
avoid  except  I  would  shut  my  doors  against  one  of  Christ's 
servants ;  which  I  also  inclin'd  to,  only  was  afraid  lest  som 
should  take  offence.  And  my  Library  was  convenient  for 
Him. 

Oct-  10.  Bro!"  Pemberton  dies.  Oct^  12.  L*  Governour 
goes  to  Cambridge,  Mr.  Secretary,  Major  Wally  and  1  goe 
to  Dorchester  and  wait  on  his  Honour  from  thence ;  Mr. 
Cook,  Mr.  Hutchinson,  Foster,  Russel,  Lynde  there  :  Mr. 
Williams  made  an  Oration  (Mf  Pemberton  should  have 
done  it  but  was  prevented  by  his  fathers  death).  L!^  Gov" 
complemented  the  Pressedent  &c.,  for  all  the  respect  to 
him,  acknowldg'd  his  obligation  and  promis'd  his  Interposi- 
tion for  them  as  become  such  an  Alumnus  to  such  an 
Alma  Mater :  directed  and  desired  the  Presd^  and  fellows 
to  go  on  ;  directed  and  enjoined  the  students  to  obedience. 
Had  a  good  diner :  came  home :  Mr.  Danforth  not  there. 
Mr.  Cotton  Mather  took  off  Mr.  Chauncy  and  Oakes's 
Epitaphs  as  I  read  them  to  him. 

Oct.  13  Gov!"  goes  to  view  the  Castle,  I  went  not  be- 
cause of  a  Flux.  Mr.  Siins  dined  with  me  to  day,  spake 
of  the  assault  he  had  made  upon  periwiggs ;  and  of  his 
Repulses.  Seem'd  to  be  in  good  sober  sadness.  4^  Ocfl  21. 
1696,  A  church  is  gathered  at  Cambridge  North-farms : 
No  Relations  made,  but  a  Covenant  sign'd  and  voted  by 
10  Brethren  dismiss'd  from  the  churches  of  Cambridge, 
Watertown,  Woburn,  Concord  for  this  work.  Being  de- 
clar'd  to  be  a  church,  they  chose  Mr.  Benj.  Estabrooks 
their  Pastor,  who  had  made  a  good  Sermon  from  Jer.  3. 
15.  Mr.  Estabrooks,  the  father,  managed  this,  having 
pray'd  excellently :  Mr.  Willard  gave  the  charge ;  Mr, 
Fox  the  Right  hand  of  Fellowship.     Sung  part  of  the  4 


436  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1693. 

Ps.  From  the  9*:^  v.  to  the  end,  0  God,  our  Thoughts. 
Mr.  Stone  and  Fisk  thanked  me  for  my  Assistance  there. 
Cambridge  was  sent  to  though  had  no  Teaching  officer ; 
they  sent  Elder  Clark,  Hasting  Reinington. 

Sabbath,  Oct^?  25.  Towards  the  latter  end  of  Mr. 
Mathers  Prayer,  a  dog  vomited  in  the  Ally  near  the  cor- 
ner of  Mr.  Willards  Pue,  which  stunk  so  horribly  that 
some  were  forc'd  out  of  the  house ;  I  and  others  could 
hardly  stay  ;  Mr.  Mather  himself  almost  sick.  Just  about 
duskish  we  know  there  is  an  house  on  fire,  it  proves  Peter 
Butlers,  just  by  my  Ladies  [Phips],  where  Mr.  Nowell 
once  dwelt.  Mr.  Green,  who  married  Mr.  Mathers  daugh- 
ter, is  one  of  the  Tenants:  He  and  his  family  were  at 
Charlestown,  keeping  Sabbath  there. 

Fifth  day  Oct^  22.  Capt.  Byfield  Marries  his  daughter 
Debora  to  James  Lyde,  before  Mr.  Willard.  Mr  Sparhawk 
would  have  had  her.  Oct^  29*.^  Clouds  hinder  our  sight 
of  the  eclipsed  Moon  ;  though  tis  aparently  dark  by  means 
of  it. 

Oct^  30.  Mr.  Wigglesworth  tells  me  that  one  John 
Bucknam  of  Maiden,  above  50  years  old,  has  been  per- 
fectly dumb  near  18  years,  and  now  within  about  3  weeks 
has  his  understanding  and  speech  restored.  He  is  much 
affected  with  the  Goodness  of  God  to  him  herein. 

2*^  day,  Nov-  2.  Mary  goes  to  Mrs.  Thair's  to  learn  to 
Read  and  Knit. 

3^^  d.  Nov^  10.  Ride  to  Salem  with  Mr.  Cooke,  get  to 
Lewis's  I  of  an  hour  before  Mr.  Danforth  ;  were  met  there 
by  Mr.  Sheriff,  Mr.  Harris  and  Brown ;  Mr.  Howard  went 
with  us ;  in  the  Even  visit  Gov!"  Bradstreet,  who  confirms 
what  had  formerly  told  me  about  Mr.  Gage  his  being  in 
the  Expedition  against  Hispaniola  and  dying  in  it.  Nov""  11. 
Grand  jury  present  Tho  Maule  for  publishing  his  scandalous 
Book.  Jury  of  Tryals,  of  whom  Capt  Turner  and  Capt. 
King  were  two,  bring  him  in  Not  Guilty,  at  which  J  e 
Triumphs.      Mr.  Bullivant  spake  for  him,  but   modestl)^ 


1696.;!  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  437 

and  with  respect.  In  the  even  visited  Major  Brown,  there 
sung  First  part  of  72  ps.  and  last  part  24th.  But  first 
visited  Mr.  Higginson,  though  had  din'd  with  us.  He  tells 
me  that  the  protector,  Oliver  Cromwell,  when  Gen-,  wrot 
to  Mr.  Hook  of  Newhaven,  and  therein  sent  comendations 
to  Mr.  Cotton ;  upon  which  Mr.  Cotton  was  writt  to  by 
Mr.  Hook  and  desir'd  to  write  to  the  Gen^,  which  He  did, 
and  advis'd  him  that  to  take  from  the  Spaniards  in  Amer- 
ica would  be  to  dry  up  Euphrates ;  which  was  one  thing 
put  Him  upon  his  Expedition  to  Hispaniola,  and  Mr.  Hig- 
ginson  and  3  more  were  to  have  gone  to  Hispaniola  if  the 
Place  had  been  taken.  0.  Cromwell  would  have  had 
Capt.  Leverett  to  have  gone  thether  Gov"",  told  him  twas 
drying  up  Euphrates,  and  He  intended  not  to  desist  till  He 
came  to  the  Gates  of  Rome.  This  Mr.  Cook  said  He  had 
heard  his  father  Leverett  tell  many  a  time.  Gov''  Lever- 
ett said.  My  Lord  let  us  make  an  end  of  one  voyage  first, 
and  declin'd  it ;  at  which  Oliver  was  blank.  One  told  Mr. 
Leverett,  Jamaica  was  the  Protectors  Darling,  and  he  had 
disadvantaged  himself  in  not  consenting  to  goe. 

Novf  12.  Dine  with  Fish  and  Fowls  at  Major  Brown's. 
Col.  Gedney  went  out  of  Town,  so  that  we  saw  him  not 
all  the  Court.  Major  Brown,  Mr.  Benj.  Brown,  Brother, 
Mr  Emerson,  Col.  Hathorn  brought  us  going  as  far  as  the 
Butts.  Mr.  Cook  ask'd  me  which  way  would  goe,  I  said 
we  will  goe  [with]  Mr.  Danforth  as  far  as  the  [blank],  so 
came  home  by  Charlestown  very  comfortably.  I  set 
Betty  to  read  Ezek.  37,  and  she  weeps  so  that  can  hardly 
read :  I  talk  with  her  and  she  tells  me  of  the  various 
Temptations  she  had ;  as  that  [she]  was  a  Reprobat, 
Loved  not  God's  people  as  she  should.  Intends  to  come 
home  when  she  has  don  her  Cusheon.  Find  all  well  at 
home. 

Nov""  13.  Mr.  Addington  comes  to  me,  and  tells  me  I 
was  sumond  to  Dorchester  by  the  L*  Gov-  to  dine.  I  told 
him  of  Mr.  Simon  Wainwright,  and  ask'd  his  Advise  about 


438  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1696 

putting  his  name  out  of  the  Comission,  He  made  me  no 
Answer;  At  which  I  was  a  Httle  disapointed  and  look'd 
on  him :  He  stood  up  and  said  he  was  very  ill :  I  reaeh'd 
the  elbow  chair  to  Him  and  with  my  Arms  crowded  him 
into  it ;  where  he  presently  became  like  a  dying  man  :  I 
sent  for  Mr.  Oakes,  who  was  not  at  home  :  But  he  quickly 
reviv'd  and  said  He  was  in  a  Sweat,  would  sit  a  little  and 
then  goe :  Said  twas  well  I  got  him  into  the  chair,  else 
should  have  fallen.  He  gave  me  an  Almanack  in  Mr. 
Ushers  name,  desir'd  me  to  present  his  Duty  to  the  L* 
Gov!"  and  went  home.  I  fear  twas  a  fit  of  the  Apoplexy. 
Went  with  Maj'"  Wally  and  Capt  Southack  to  the  L* 
Govf *,  where  dined ;  Capt  Kiggin,  Jesson,  Eyre,  Fayer- 
wether,  Tho  Brattle,  Belchar,  Dudly,  Southack,  Daven- 
port, Edw.  Turfrey,  Maccarty,  Mr.  Leverett,  Danforth, 
Major  Townsend,  Major  Walley,  Sewall ;  Gov^  Usher,  Lt. 
Governour  and  Mr.  Usher  sat  at  the  end  of  the  table.  Cap 
Kiggin  next  on  the  L*  Gov"^^  side,  then  Cap-  Jesson,  Mr 
Eyre.  Sewall  sat  next  on  Mr.  Usher's  side,  then  Major 
Wally,  Major  Townsend.  'Twas  about  sunset  by  the  time 
we  got  home.  NovT  20  6*.^  day.  Madam  Sam^  Bellingham, 
Cap!  Thomas,  Mr.  Willard  and  their  wives,  Mr.  Wood- 
bridge  and  his  Kinsman  Brockherst  dined  here. 

Nov''  25.  1696.  Bro!"  brings  home  Elizabeth,  who  is 
well,  blessed  be  God.     Went  thither  Aug!  24. 

Nov!"  25.  Mr.  W"^  Brattle  was  Ordained  at  Cambridge. 
He  and  Mr.  Mather,  the  President,  preached.  Twas  first 
order'd  that  Mr.  Brattle  should  not  preach,  but  many 
being  troubled  at  it,  twas  af terw^ard  altered.  Mr.  Brattle 
also  procured  the  Church  to  order  that  Elder  Clark  should 
not  lay  his  hand  on's  head  when  he  was  ordain' d ;  and  he 
refrain'd  accordingly.  So  that  Deacon  Gill  coming  home, 
said  he  liked  all  very  well  except  the  Bill  of  Exclusion. 
I  was  feverish  by  reason  of  Cold  taken  the  day  before, 
and  so  abode  at  home. 

Wednesday,  Nov!"  25.  1696.     As  I  sat  alone  at  home  in 


4 


1696.]  DIAHY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  439 

the  old  Room,  I  had  the  Notion  first ;  Tis  when  Martyrs 
Seen,  not  slain  [as  a  fulfilment  of  Prophecy]. 

Second-day,  Nov''  30.  Many  Scholars  go  in  the  After- 
noon to  Scate  on  Fresh-pond ;  William  Maxwell,  and  John 
Eyre  fall  in  and  are  drown' d.  Just  about  Candle-lighting 
the  news  of  it  is  brought  to  Town,  which  affects  persons 
exceedingly.  Mr.  Eyre  the  father  cryes  out  bitterly. 
Deer.  1.  The  body  of  Jn''  Eyre  is  brought  to  Town. 
Dec!"  3.  is  buried.  Ministers  of  Boston  had  Gloves  and 
Rings,  Counsellors  Gloves,  of  Boston.  Bearers,  Hutchin- 
son, Dudley,  Sim.  Bradstreet,  Duiner  Jer.,  Jn""  Winthrop, 
Belchar.  Maxwell  w^as  buried  at  Cambridge.  Paul  Mil- 
ler, his  2  sons,  and  about  4  more  drowned  last  week ; 
vessel  and  corn  lost  coming  from  Barstable. 

Dec-  2.  1696.  Now  about  Capt.  Byfield  brings  in  a 
long  Bill  from  the  deputys  for  a  Fast  and  Reformation, 
w^ritten  by  Mr.  Cotton  Mather,'  to  which  a  Streamer  was 
added  expressing  that  Partiality  in  Courts  of  Justice  was 
obvious ;  with  a  Vote  on  it  that  500  should  be  printed, 
should  be  read ;  and  sent  up  for  Concurrence :  'twas 
deny'd ;  and  our  Bill  for  a  Fast  was  sent  down ;  Dept* 
deny'd  that.  Gov^  told  them  the  way  was  unusual,  they 
had  taken,  sending  out  a  Comittee,  calling  the  Ministers, 
voting  all,  and  never  letting  the  Council  know :  that  it 
pertain'd  principally  to  the  Govf  and  Council  to  set  forth 
such  orders  with  a  motion  from  them.    A  while  after  Capt. 


^  It  seems  hardly  worth  while  to  copy  all  of  Mather's  characteristic  tirade, 
the  original  being  on  file  in  Massachusetts  Archives,  XI.  119;  but  we  give 
the  passage  probably  referred  to,  as  pointed  at  the  judges:  — 

"  And  all  civil  officers  are  hereby  Likewise  called  upon  vigorously  to  pur- 
sue the  execution  of  the  Lawes,  from  Time  to  Time,  Enacted  against  all 
Immoralities;  and  in  their  several  places  as  weU  to  make  Diligent  Enquiries 
and  Impartial  presentments  of  all  offenses  against  the  said  Law^s,  as  to  Dis- 
pense Justice  equally^  for  no  cause  forbearing  to  do  their  office,  according  to  the 
Oath  of  God,  which  is  upon  them:  and  unto  this  end,  frequently  to  have 
their  consultations  in  their  several  precincts,  what  may  bee  done  by  them  to  sup- 
■press  any  Common  Evils.^'  —  Eds. 


440  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1696. 

Bjfield  came  in,  and  said  'twas  no  new  thing,  and  they 
had  taken  no  wrong  step.  Little  was  said  to  him.  It 
seems  this  messa^ce  is  enter  d  in  their  Booke.^    The  Council 


1  Although  we  cannot  find  this  entry  on  the  records  of  the  House,  some 
documents  remain  in  Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  XI.  pp.  120-122.  The  House  of 
Representatives  passed  the  long  and  verbose  proclamation  for  a  fast  just 
cited.  The  Council  non-concurred,  and  the  House,  after  a  protest  that 
they  meant  no  disrespect  to  the  other  branch  in  non-concurring  in  the  Coun- 
cil's bill,  proposed  that  both  bills  be  committed  to  the  Reverend  Elders  of 
Boston,  to  prepare  a  new  draft.  The  draft  of  the  proclamation,  as  finally 
decided  upon,  is  in  the  same  volume  of  the  Archives,  and  is  as  follows:  -- 

By  the  Hon.  the  L*.  Gov.,  Council  and  Assembly  of  his  Maj'^*  Province 
of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  in  General  Court  Assembled. 

Wher^eas  the  Anger  of  God  is  not  yet  turned  away,  but  his  Hand  is  still 
stretched  out  against  his  people,  in  manifold  Judgment;  particularly  in  draw- 
ing out  to  such  a  Length,  the  Troubles  of  Europe  by  a  perplexing  War, 
And  more  especially,  respecting  our  selves  in  this  Province,  in  that  God  is 
pleased  still  to  go  on  in  diminishing  our  Substance,  cutting  short  our  Har- 
vest; blasting  our  most  promising  undertakings;  more  ways  than  one,  un- 
settling of  us ;  and  by  his  more  immediat  Hand,  snatching  away  many  out 
of  our  Embraces  by  suddain  and  violent  deaths ;  even  at  this  time  when  the 
Sword  is  devouring  so  many,  both  at  home  and  abroad,  and  that  after  many 
Days  of  publick  and  solemn  addressing  of  Him.  And  although  considering 
the  many  Sins,  prevailing  in  the  midst  of  us,  we  cannot  but  wonder  at  the 
Patience  and  Mercy  moderating  these  Rebukes;  yet  we  cannot  but  also  fear, 
tliat  there  is  something  still  wanting  to  accompany  our  suplications.  And 
doubtless  there  are  som  particular  Sins,  which  God  is  angry  with  our  Israel 
for,  that  have  not  been  duely  seen  and  resented  by  us,  about  which  God  ex- 
pects to  be  sought;  if  ever  He  turn  again  our  Captivity. 

Wherefore  its  Comand'^  and  apoit^  that  Thursday  the  Fourteenth  of  Jan- 
uary next  be  observed  as  a  Day  of  Prayer  and  Fasting  throughout  the 
Province;  strictly  forbidding  all  Servile  Labour  thereon.  That  so  all  God's 
people  may  offer  up  Supplications  unto  him  for  the  preservation  and  pros- 
perity of  his  Maj*y*  Royal  person  and  Government,  and  Success  to  attend  his 
Maj*y  both  at  home  and  abroad:  That  all  Iniquity  may  be  put  away  which 
hath  proved  Gods  holy  Jealousie  against  this  Land;  that  He  would  shew  us 
what  we  know  not,  and  help  us,  wherein  we  have  done  amiss,  to  doe  so  no 
more:  And,  especially,  that  whatever  Mistakes,  on  either  hand,  have  been 
fallen  into,  either  by  the  body  of  this  People,  or  any  Orders  of  then* 
referring  to  the  late  Tragedie  raised  amongst  us  by  Satan  and  his  Instru- 
ments, through  the  awfull  Judgment  of  God;  He  would  humble  us  therefore, 
and  pardon  all  the  Errors  of  his  Servants  and  People  that  desire  to  Love  his 

*  Undoubtedly  a  clerical  error  for  them,  meaning  the  bench.  — Eds. 


1696.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  441 

were  exceedingly  grieved  to  be  thus  roughly  treated. 
About  Dec'  18,  Mr.  Mather,  Allen,  Willard,  C.  :^:ather 
give  in  a  paper  subscribed  by  them,  shewing  their  dislike 
of  our  draught  for  the  Colledge  Charter,  and  desiring  that 
their  Names  might  not  be  entered  therein.  One  chief 
reason  was  their  apointing  the  Gov!"  and  Council  for 
Visitor. 

Dec-  19.  Mr.  Allin  prays,  and  the  Court  is  prorogued 
to  the  17*.^  Febr.  at  1.  p  m.  L*  Governour  said  that  hop'd 
by  praying  together,  our  Love  to  God  and  one  another 
should  be  increased.  This  is  the  first  Prorogation  that  I 
know  of. 

JVota,  Deputies  voted  our  Bill  for  the  Fast  at  length. 
Mr.  By  field  brought  it  in,  said.  They  would  have  doubtless 
instead  oiprohahly.  And  would  have  those  words  —  and 
so  revive  that  joyful  Proverb  in  the  world,  One  flock,  one 
Shepherd  —  Left  out.  Their  reason  was  because  Gods 
conversion  of  the  American  Heathen  did  not  make  it  good. 
Therefore  would  have  the  word  Obey  added  after  our 
hear,  and  let  that  be  the  close. ^ 

Note.  I  had  by  accident  met  with  and  transcribed  Mr. 
Strongs  Notes  on  Kev.  12*1'  about  the  slaying  of  the  Avit- 
nesses,  the  evening  before  this  fell  out :  The  last  words 
were,  prepare  for  it.  I  doe  not  know  that  ever  I  saw  the 
Council  run  upon  with  such  a  height  of  Rage  before.  The 
Lord  prepare  for  the  Issue.  I  dont  rememb^  to  have  seen 
Capt.  Byfield  or  Oliver  at  prayers.     And  the  Ministers 

Name;  and  be  attoned  to  His  Land.  That  He  would  remove  the  Rod  of 
the  Wicked  from  off  the  Lot  of  the  Righteous;  That  He  would  bring  the 
American  Heathen,  and  cause  them  to  hear  and  obey  his  voice. 

Dec*"  11.1696.  Voted  in  Council  and  sent  down  for  concurrance.  Is*  Ad- 
DiNGTOx,  Secr'y. 

Dec.  17,  1696.     Voted  a  concurrance.     Penn  Townsexd,  Speaker. 

I  consent.  W^  Stoughton.  — Eds. 

1  The  changes  are  all  on  the  original  paper.  Upham  has  printed  the 
latter  part  of  this  proclamation  in  his  Salem  Witchcraft,  Vol.  II.  p.  473,  but 
he  omits  the  second  line;  possibly  he  quotes  from  some  other  copy.  — Eds. 


442  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1606. 

will  go  to  England  for  a  Charter,  except  we  exclude  the 
Council  from  the  Visitation.^  Allege  this  Reason  :  because 
the  K.[ing]  will  not  pass  it,  and  so  shall  be  longer  unset- 
tled. Note  Dec!*  12.  1696.  Capt.  Davis's  eldest  Daughter 
dyes  very  suddenly.     Was  a  great  Funeral  next  week. 

Dec!"  21.  A  very  great  Snow  is  on  the  Ground.^  I  go 
in  the  morn  to  Mr.  Willard,  to  entreat  him  to  chuse  his 
own  time  to  come  and  pray  with  little  Sarah :  He  comes 
a  little  before  night,  and  prays  very  fully  and  well.  Mr. 
Mather,  the  President,  had  pray^  with  her  in  the  time 
of  the  Courts  sitting.  Dec!"  22.  being  Catechising  day,  I 
give  Mr.  "Willard  a  note  to  pray  for  my  daughter  pub- 
lickly,  which  he  did.  Note,  this  morn  Madam  Elisa  Bell- 
ingham  came  to  our  house  and  upbraided  me  with  setting 
my  hand  to  pass  Mr.  Wharton's  ace-  to  the  Court, 
where  he  obtain'd  a  Judgm*  for  Eustace's  farm.  I  was 
wheadled  and  hector' d  into  that  business,  and  have  all 
along  been  uneasy  in  the  remembrance  of  it:  and  now 
there  is  one  come  who  will  not  spare  to  lay  load.  The 
Lord  take  away  my  filthy  garments,  and  give  me  change 
of  Rayment.  This  day  I  remove  poor  little  Sarah  into 
my  Bed-chamber,  where  about  Break  of  Day  Dec!"  23.  she 
gives  up  the  Ghost  in  Nurse  Co  well's  Arms.  Born,  Nov. 
21.  1694.  Neither  I  nor  my  wife  were  by:  Nurse  not 
expecting  so  sudden  a  change,  and  having  promis'd  to 
call  us.  I  thought  of  Christ's  Words,  could  you  not  watch 
with  me  one  hour !  and  would  fain  have  sat  up  with  her : 

^  An  act  was  passed  June  4,  1697,  to  incorporate  Harvard  College.  It  was 
disallowed  by  the  Crown,  as  had  been  a  previous  act,  of  June  27,  1692.  The 
first  was  faulty  in  not  reserving  power  for  the  King  to  appoint  visitors;  the 
second,  because  it  coupled  the  Council  with  the  Governor  in  the  exercise  of 
that  power.     See  Province  Laws,  new  ed.,  I.  39,  290.  — Eds. 

2  Hutchinson  writes  (Hist.  II.  101,  note  1),  "  The  winter  of  1696  was  as 
cold  as  had  been  known  from  the  first  arrival  of  the  English:  slays  and 
loaded  sleds  passing  great  part  of  the  time  upon  the  ice  from  Boston  as  far  as 
Nantasket.  Greater  losses  in  trade  had  never  been  known,  than  what  were 
met  with  in  this  year;  nor  was  there,  at  any  time  after  the  first  year,  so  great 
a  scarcity  of  food;  nor  was  grain  ever  at  a  higher  price."  — Eds. 


1696.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  443 

but  fear  of  my  wives  illness,  who  is  very  valetudinarious, 
made  me  to  lodge  with  her  in  the  new  Hall,  where  was 
call'd  by  Jane's  Cry,  to  take  notice  of  my  dead  daughter. 
Nurse  did  long  and  pathetically  ask  our  pardon  that  she 
had  not  call'd  us,  and  said  she  was  surpriz*^.  Thus  this 
very  fair  day  is  rendered  fowl  to  us  by  reason  of  the  gen- 
eral Sorrow  and  Tears  in  the  family.  Master  Chiever 
was  here  the  evening  before,  I  desir'd  him  to  pray  for  my 
daughter.  The  Chapf"  read  in  course  on  Dec!"  23.  m.  was 
Deut.  22.  which  made  me  sadly  reflect  that  I  had  not 
been  so  thorowly  tender  of  my  daughter ;  nor  so  elffectu- 
ally  carefuU  of  her  Defence  and  preservation  as  I  should 
have  been.  The  good  Lord  pity  and  pardon  and  help  for 
the  future  as  to  those  God  has  still  left  me. 

Dec-  24.  Sam.  recites  to  me  in  Latin,  Mat.  12.  from 
the  6*^  to  the  end  of  the  12*.^  v.  The  7^"^  verse  did  awfully 
bring  to  mind  the  Salem  Tragedie.^ 

6*  day,  Decf  25,  1696.  We  bury  our  little  daughter. 
In  the  chamber,  Joseph  in  course  reads  Ecclesiastes  3*!  a 
time  to  be  born  and  a  time  to  die  —  Elisabeth,  Rev.  22. 
Hanah,  the  38-  Psalm.  I  speak  to  each,  as  God  helped, 
to  our  mutual  comfort  I  hope.  I  order'd  Sam.  to  read 
the  102.  Psalm.  Elisha  Cooke,  Edw.  Hutchinson,  John 
Baily,  and  Josia  Willard  bear  my  little  daughter  to  the 
Tomb. 

Note.  Twas  wholly  dry,  and  I  went  at  noon  to  see  in 
what  order  things  were  set ;  and  there  I  was  entertain'd 
with  a  view  of,  and  converse  with,  the  Coffins  of  my  dear 
Father  Hull,  Mother  Hull,  Cousin  Quinsey,  and  my  Six 
Children :  for  the  little  posthumous  was  now  took  up  and 
set  in  upon  that  that  stands  on  John's :  so  are  three,  one 
upon  another  twice,  on  the  bench  at  the  end.  My  Mother 
ly's  on  a  lower  bench,  at  the  end,  with  head  to  her  Hus- 

1  "  If  ye  had  known  what  this  meaneth,  I  will  have  mercy  and  not  sacrifice, 
ye  would  not  have  condemned  the  guiltless."  —  Eds. 


444  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [169f 

band's  head :  and  I  order'd  little  Sarah  to  be  set  on  her 
Grandmother's  feet.  'Twas  an  awf ull  yet  pleasing  Treat ; 
Having  said,  The  Lord  knows  who  shall  be  brought  hether 
next,  I  came  away. 

Mr.  Willard  pray'd  with  us  the  night  before  ;  I  gave 
him  a  Ring  worth  about  20^  Sent  the  President  one,  who 
is  sick  of  the  Gout  He  pray"^  with  my  little  daughter. 
Mr.  Oakes,  the  Physician,  Major  Townsend,  Speaker,  of 
whoes  wife  I  was  a  Bearer,  and  was  join'd  with  me  in 
going  to  Albany  and  has  been  Civil  and  treated  me  sev- 
eral times.  Left  a  Ring  at  Madam  Cooper's  for  the  Gov- 
ernour.  Gave  not  one  pair  of  Gloves  save  to  the  Bearers. 
Many  went  to  the  Church  this  day,  I  met  them  coming 
home,  as  went  to  the  Tomb.  7^.^  day  Dec-  26.  Roger 
Judd  tells  me  of  a  ship  arriv'd  at  Rode  Island  from  Eng- 
land, and  after,  that  Mr.  Ive  has  written  that  most  judged 
the  King  of  France  was  dead,  or  dying.  Ship  comes  from 
New  Castle,  several  weeks  after  the  Falkland.  Jan''  1. 
6^?"  day  169|-  One  with  a  Trumpet  sounds  a  Levet  [Blast] 
at  our  window  just  about  break  of  day,  bids  me  good 
morrow  and  wishes  health  and  hapiness  to  attend  me.  I 
was  awake  before,  and  my  wife,  so  we  heard  him :  but 
went  not  to  the  window,  nor  spake  a  word.  The  Lord  fit 
me  for  his  coming  in  whatsoever  way  it  be.  Mr.  Willard 
had  the  Meeting  at  his  house  to  day,  but  We  had  no  Invi- 
tation to  be  there  as  is  usual. 

On  the  22^^  of  May  I  buried  my  abortive  son  ;  so  neither 
of  us  were  then  admitted  of  God  to  be  there,  and  now  the 
Owners  of  the  family  admit  us  not :  It  may  be  I  must 
never  more  hear  a  Sermon  there.  The  Lord  pardon  all 
my  Sins  of  Omission  and  Commission :  and  by  his  Al- 
mighty power  make  me  meet  to  be  partaker  of  the  In- 
heritance with  the  S*^  in  Light.  Second-day  Jan^  11, 
169  f-  God  helped  me  to  pray  more  than  ordinarily,  that 
He  would  make  up  our  Loss  in  the  burial  of  our  little 
daughter  and  other  children,  and  that  would  give  us  a 


Ml 


169f^  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  445 

Child  to  Serve  Him,  pleading  with  Him  as  the  Insti tutor 
of  Marriage,  and  the  Author  of  every  good  work.  Jan^  15. 
Gridley  s  wife  dies  in  child-bed. 

[Petition-  put  up  by  Mr.  Sewall  on  the  Fast  Day.] 

Copy  of  the  Bill  I  put  up  on  the  Fast  day ;  giving  it  to 
Mr.  Willard  as  he  pass'd  by,  and  standing  up  at  the  read- 
ing of  it,  and  bowing  when  finished  ;  in  the  Afternoon. 

Samuel  Sewall,  sensible  of  the  reiterated  strokes  of  God 
upon  himself  and  family ;  and  being  sensible,  that  as  to 
the  Guilt  contracted  upon  the  opening  of  the  late  Comis- 
sion  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  at  Salem  (to  which  the  order 
for  this  Day  relates)  he  is,  upon  many  accounts,  more  con- 
cerned than  any  that  he  knows  of.  Desires  to  take  the 
Blame  and  shame  of  it.  Asking  pardon  of  men.  And  es- 
pecially desiring  prayers  that  God,  who  has  an  Unlimited 
Authority,  would  pardon  that  sin  and  all  other  his  sins ; 
personal  and  Relative :  And  according  to  his  infinite 
Benignity,  and  Sovereignty,  Not  Visit  the  sin  of  him,  or 
of  any  other,  upon  himself  or  any  of  his,  nor  upon  the 
Land  :  But  that  He  would  powerfully  defend  him  against 
all  Temptations  to  Sin,  for  the  future ;  and  vouchsafe 
him  the  efficacious,  saving  Conduct  of  his  Word  and 
Spirit.^ 


1  No  considerable  period  of  time  passed  till  all  measures  which  involved 
the  use  of  force  and  legal  proceedings  on  charges  of  witchcraft  were  quietly 
abandoned.  Some  few  there  were  who  only  slowly  and  reluctantly  —  even 
if  they  did  ever  come  to  that  fixed  conviction  —  were  brought  to  allow  that 
the  whole  excitement  was  to  be  referred  to  surprise,  consternation,  and  strong 
delusion.  Others  there  were  whose  horror  and  indignation  at  the  outrages 
visited  upon  maligned  and  thoroughly  innocent  and  really  estimable  victims 
were  so  intense,  that,  had  they  thought  they  could  rely  upon  a  sufficient  support 
in  so  doing,  they  would  have  severely  called  the  prime  actors  in  them  to  judg- 
ment.    But  the  large  majority  of  all  classes  in  the  immediate  community  seem 


446  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1694. 

Mr.  Daniel  Neal's  Hist.  N.  England  p.  536.  Names  of 
the  Judges,  p.  502,  vol.  2. 

Jan^  26.  169 f  I  lodged  at  Charlestown.  at  Mrs.  Shep- 
ards,  who  tells  me  Mr.  Harvard  built  that  house.  I  lay 
in  the  chamber  next  the  street.  As  I  lay  awake  past 
midnight,  In  my  Meditation,  I  was  affected  to  consider 

to  have  thought  it  best  to  keep  silent,  to  mourn  in  secret  over  the  horrors  and 
agonies  of  the  brief  delusion,  and  to  trust  to  the  healing  influences  of  time, 
while  manifesting  a  tender  and  respectful  sympathy  for  the  wrongs  that  had 
been  borne  by  the  innocent  and  their  friends. 

The  public  feeling,  however,  which  was  not  resolute  enough  to  secure 
anything  like  a  just  reparation,  so  far  as  confession  of  wrong  and  an  attempt 
at  compensation  would  go  —  towards  redressing  injustice  to  individuals  — 
did  prevail  in  demanding  a  public  and  formal  expression  of  contrition.  The 
14th  of  January,  1697,  was  appointed  by  the  General  Court  to  be  solemnly 
observed  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  on  account  of  what  might  have  been 
done  amiss  "in  the  late  tragedy,  raised  among  us  by  Satan  and  his  instru- 
ments, through  the  awful  judgment  of  God." 

Other  subjects  for  contrition  and  supplication,  such  as  were  distinctly  men- 
tioned in  the  public  appointment  of  the  not  infrequent  fast  days,  were  given 
in  the  appointment  of  this  day,  but  it  was  understood  to  have  a  special  refer- 
ence to  the  proceedings  of  the  Com't  of  Oyer  and  Terminer.  The  confession 
and  petition  by  which  Judge  Sewall  so  humbly  brought  himself  on  that  day 
before  the  congregation  with  which  he  worshipped,  will  have  their  full  sig- 
nificance when  taken  in  connection  with  his  own  habit — as  appears  from  his 
journal  —  of  complying  with  a  custom  reverently  observed  by  his  most  honored 
contemporaries.  He  had,  often  with  the  deepest  earnestness,  followed  this 
usage,  in  "putting  up  a  Bill,"  bearing  his  own  name,  to  be  read  from  the 
pulpit  on  occasions  of  sad  or  joyful  providences  for  himself  or  his  family  or 
most  intimate  friends.  This  was  the  custom  of  the  devout  in  his  time  and 
fellowship  when  visited  with  affliction  or  with  a  dread  of  it,  when  a  child 
was  born,  or  a  member  of  the  household  was  sick,  or  a  journey  by  land  or 
sea  was  to  be  ventured,  or  had  been  accomplished.  Similar  individual  peti- 
tions and  confessions  were  offered  by  wi'ong-doers  and  penitents.  Judge 
Sewall,  as  will  have  been  observed  by  the  reader,  had  experienced  many  do- 
mestic trials  and  afflictions,  which  had  deeply  tried  his  affectionate  heart. 
The  spirit  and  tenor  of  the  solemn  bill  which  he  put  up  on  this  occasion 
require  no  comment  here.  The  act  was  equally  free  of  conceit  in  self- 
obtrusion,  and  of  any  thing  like  unmanly  self-abasement.  If  he  had  been  a 
party  to  a  gi'ievous  wrong,  his  motive  and  purpose  had  been  sincere.  It  has 
been  traditionally  received  —  no  record  of  the  fact  from  his  own  pen  is  known 
to  us  — that  the  Chief  Judge  on  the  trials,  Lieut.  Gov.  Stoughton,  when  in- 
formed of  what  Sewall  had  done,  said  that  he  had  no  such  confession  to 
make,  as  he  bad  acted  according  to  the  best  light  which  G?od  had  given  him 
—  Eds. 


169f  ]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  447 

how  long  agoe  God  had  made  provision  for  my  comfort- 
able Lodging  that  night;  seeing  that  was  Mr.  Harvards 
house  :  And  that  led  me  to  think  of  Heaven  the  House 
not  made  with  hands,  which  God  for  many  Thousands  of 
years  has  been  storing  with  the  richest  furniture  (saints 
that  are  from  time  to  time  placed  there),  and  that  I  had 
some  hopes  of  being  entertain'd  in  that  Magnificent  Con- 
venient Palace,  every  way  fitted  and  furnished.  These 
thoughts  were  very  refreshing  to  me.^ 

JanT  28.  169 f^  Mr.  Palmer  marries  Mrs.  Abigail  Hutch- 


1  There  is  something  very  touching  and  impressive  in  the  tenderness  and 
devoutness  of  this  entry  in  the  Judge's  Diary.  John  Harvard  seems  to  be 
the  "  Melchisedec  "  of  the  first  age  of  the  Colony  of  Massachusetts.  He  is 
known  to  us  only  as  "  a  priest  of  the  Most  High  God,"  and  as  one  who 
"  gave  gifts."  So  far  as  any  certified  facts  concerning  his  lineage  or  circum- 
stances have  been  preserved  for  us,  he  is  "  without  father,  without  mother, 
without  descent,  having  neither  beginning  of  days,"  nor  a  known  resting- 
place  for  his  mortal  dust.  The  scanty  information  which  we  have  about  the 
revered  founder  of  "  the  College  in  the  wilderness  "  covers  only  these  facts, 
that  he  received  the  degrees  of  A.B.  and  ]\I.A.  from  Emanuel  College, 
Cambridge,  England,  in  1631  and  163.5;  that  he  was  admitted  a  townsman 
in  Charlestown,  Aug.  6,  1637;  that  he,  with  Anna,  his  wife,  was  received 
into  the  communion  of  the  church,  of  whose  minister,  Mr.  Symmes,  he  was  a 
temporary  assistant,  on  Nov.  6,  1637;  that  he  w^as  put  on  a  committee  with 
five  of  his  townsmen  April  26,  1638,  "to  consider  of  something  tending 
towards  a  body  of  laws ; ' '  that  he  was  favored  in  the  allotment  of  land  and 
privileges;  that  he  died  of  consumption,  in  Charlestown,  Sept.  14,  1638 
(old  style) ;  and  that,  by  a  nuncupative  will,  he  left  half  of  his  estate  and 
his  whole  library  to  the  College.  The  money  gift  was  estimated  at 
£779.  17.  2.  He  was  probably  interred  at  the  foot  of  the  Town  Hill,  in 
Charlestown.  The  monument  to  him,  erected  on  the  Burial  Hill  in  the 
Town,  by  the  alumni  of  the  College,  and  dedicated  by  an  address  by  Edward 
Everett,  Sept.  26,  1828,  was  arbitrarily  raised  on  the  spot  where  it  stands 
because  it  commanded  then  a  view  of  the  site  of  the  College.  According  to 
the  change  of  style,  there  is  an  error  in  the  inscription  on  the  monument 
which  gives  the  date  of  Harvard's  death  as  Sept.  26.     It  should  be  Sept.  24. 

The  house  "which  Mr.  Harvard  built,"  and  in  a  chamber  of  which 
Sewall  found  in  his  wakefulness  the  companionship  of  such  holy  thoughts, 
stood  near  the  site  of  the  present  meeting-house  on  Town  Hill.  It  became, 
afterwards,  the  property  of  the  Rev.  Thomas  Shepard.  If  it  remained  stand- 
ing till  the  time  of  our  Revolutionary  War,  it  must  have  fallen  in  the  con- 
flagration of  the  town  caused  by  Generals  Clinton  and  Burgoyne,  by  bombs 
from  the  batteiy  on  Copp's  Hill,  June  17,  1775.  — Eds. 


448  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [169f 

inson.  Febr.  4  Bro''  Hawkins  and  his  wife,  the  Thurtons, 
Sam.  and  Atherton  Haugh,  Joseph  Gerrish  and  W?  Long- 
fellow dine  with  us.  Febr.  5.  extream  cold,  w^hich  discern 
not  when  Joseph  w^ent  away.  This  evening  Mr.  Willard, 
Bromfield,  Eyre,  Sergeant,  Frary,  Hill,  Williams,  Oliver, 
Checkly,  Davis,  Wally,  Stoddard,  met  at  my  house.  Mr. 
Willard  pray'd.  Then  discours"^  what  was  best  to  be  done 
relating  to  the  desires  of  some  for  a  meeting ;  whether 
twere  best  to  call  one,  or  no.  Mr.  Willard  shew"^  his  re- 
sentments of  the  disorderly  carriage  in  striving  to  bring 
in  Mr.  Bradstreet,  after  only  thrice  preaching  [as  a  can- 
didate for  the  South  Church],  and  that  in  that  way,  he 
should  not  be  settled  with  us  till  he  Mr.  W.  was  in  his 
Grave.  That  he  had  a  Negative,  and  was  not  only  a  Mod- 
erator. Shew'd  his  dislike  of  the  Person  and  his  Preaching, 
inferiour  to  the  ministerial  Gifts  of  others.  Before  the 
Meeting  broke  up,  I  said  his  Preaching  was  yery  agreeable 
to  me,  I  thought  not  of  him,  had  no  hand  in  bringing  him 
to  preach,  had  prejudices  against  him,  was  ready  to  start  at 
first  when  any  spake  of  fixing  on  him ;  yet  as  often  as  he 
preached,  he  came  nearer  and  nearer  to  me.  Spake  this 
chiefly  because  all  that  Mr.  Willard  had  said  of  Mr.  Brad- 
street,  had  been  exceedingly  undervaluing :  and  because 
Mr.  Willard  said  no  body  had  been  with  him  to  speak 
to  him  about  Mr.  Bradstreet  but  Mr.  Stoddard.  Mr. 
Oliver  said  if  Mr.  Willard  were  so  averse,  had  rather  let  it 
rest.  Sometimes  said  were  now  ready  for  a  new  Meeting- 
house. Some,  Let  us  call  Mr.  Bailey.  At  last  agreed  to 
mention  the  matter  to  the  church  after  the  Afternoon 
Exercise.  Febr.  7.  Mr.  Willard  recapitulats  how  long 
he  had  been  our  Pastor;  near  20.  years;  and  near  18. 
years  alone,  had  to  his  measure  served  God  faithfully,  was 
desirous  of  Help,  lay  not  in  him,  yet  had  none ;  if  what 
he  propounded  more  than  a  year  ago  had  been  attended, 
might  have  made  for  the  Glory  of  God.  Ask'd  if  now 
were  ready  to  pitch  on  any ;  if  were,  then  must  have  a 


169f.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  449 

Fast.  None  speake  ;  at  last  Capt.  Ephr.  Savage  desired 
might  meet  in  sons  dwelling  house,  many  were  there  pres- 
ent which  were  not  of  us.  Mr.  Willard  assented,  and  on 
Mr.  Sergeants  motion,  apointed  to  meet  at  his  house,  15. 
Inst'  at  2  p.m.  When  at  our  house,  some  said  Charles- 
town  being  before  us,  to  call  a  Fast  after  they  had  call'd 
Mr.  Bradstreet  would  be  evil  spoken  of  :  the  person  of 
their  desires  being  gon.  Some  said  that  Fasting  now^  at 
Charlestown  and  here  was  but  a  Trick;  not  just  so:  but 
tending  that  way.  Mr.  Willard  said  Charlestown  would  be 
before  us,  do  what  we  could ;  and  if  they  call'd  him  'twas 
not  fit  for  us  to  meddle  till  he  had  given  his  Answer :  som 
look'd  at  this  as  Artifice  in  the  Ministers  to  prevent  the 
South  Church.  For  when  Mr.  Willard  propounded  Mr. 
Pemberton  by  name,  1695,  No  Fast  preceded.  If  Mr. 
Willard  had  not  so  propounded,  believe  the  thing  had 
been  issued  at  that  time  :  but  many  look'd  on  it  as  an  Im- 
position and  tending  to  infringe  their  Liberty  of  choice. 
I  had  been  w^ith  Mr.  Willard  the  day  before,  and  told  him 
some  scruples  that  I  was  not  just  ready  to  act  till  had  en- 
quired further. 

Feb.  8.  Mr.  Bromfield  and  Eyre  call  me,  and  we  visit 
Mr.  H.  Usher,  who  is  now  brought  to  Town  about  a  week 
ago ;  Lay  at  Maiden  some  time  by  reason  of  a  fall  from's 
horse  last  4*^  day  five  weeks.  Febr.  9.  I  visit  Mr.  Wil- 
lard: spake  with  him  after  he  began,  about  our  confer- 
ence last  6^^  day,  told  him  the  reason  of  my  speaking  as  I 
did  ;  because  had  heard  he  should  say,  I  forc'd  the  Church 
Meeting :  whereas  I  intended  not  so ;  but  as  we  had  en- 
gaged silence,  I  told  him  my  heart ;  as  I  said  I  always  did 
when  he  confer'd  with  me  and  enquired  of  me  in  such 
cases.  He  said  was  sorry  he  propounded  Mr.  Pemberton 
as  he  did.  Seem'd  to  resent  my  saying ;  That  the  Nega- 
tive was  a  high  point,  and  better  not  to  talk  of  it  then 
(which  at  the  conference)  term'd  it  a  check,  I  think 
parted  good  friends.    Much  vilified  Mr.  Bradstreet;  hardly 

29 


I 


450  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1697. 

allowed  liim  any  thing  but  a  Memory,  and  the  Greek 
Tongue,  with  a  Little  poesy.  I  said  what  shall  Charles- 
town  doe  ?  Answer  was,  Let  them  do  as  they  please. 
Mr.  Willard  is  to  assist  on  the  Fast  Day,  which  proves 
very  cold,  4*^  day  Feb.  10. 

Feby  10.  4*^  day  169f  Goodw.  Duen  putting  on  a 
Rugg  and  going  into  our  house  much  scares  the  children ; 
so  that  come  running  to  me  throw  the  old  Hall,  with  a 
very  amazing  Cry.  I  was  sawing  wood ;  and  much  sur- 
pris'd.  Wife  came  and  all.  The  Lord  save  me  and  his 
people  from  astonishing,  suddain,  desolating  Judgmts ; 
pardon  all  my  folly  and  perverting  my  way,  and  help  me 
to  walk  with  a  right  foot.  This  was  between  10  and  11. 
aclock.  m.  Deacon  Mary  on  w^ent  from  hence  but  a  little 
before. 

March  8.  169  f  went  to  Plimouth  in  comp-  of  Maj''  Gen!, 
Mr.  Cook;  visit  Mrs.  Cushman.  March  12.  Mr.  Cook 
and  1  came  to  Barkers.  13.  home ;  wether  was  extream 
cold. 

March  24.  169 1  went  to  Watertown  to  an  Ordination; 
but  was  disapointed,  the  west  and  East  not  agreeing. 
Came  home  by  Cambridge ;  Eat  at  Mr.  Remington's  with 
Mr.  Phips  and  wife.  Sheriff  Philips  and  wife.  Call'd  in  to 
see  Mrs.  Danforth  ;  but  it  seems  it  was  not  convenient. 
March  26.  1697.  Mrs.  Danforth  dies.  This  day  Mr.  Lev- 
erett  was  by  the  Council  deny"^  to  be  of  the  Corporation 
for  the  Colled ge.  How  the  Deputies  will  resent  it,  I 
know  not.  Day  was  apointed  for  nominating  Justices,  but 
the  heat  about  what  way  should  do  it  in  was  so  great,  that 
did  nothing. 

March  27,  1697.  I  read  to  the  Lieut-Governour  my 
Phcenomena  Apocalyptica,^  what  had  written  of  it.  He 
Licences  the  printing  of  it. 

About  10.  at  night  Gov''  Bradstreet  dyes;  which  we  are 

*  See  page  68,  note  2.  —  Eds. 


1697.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  451 

told  of  March,  29*^^  at  Cambridge,  where  we  were  upon 
the  account  of  Mrs.  Danforth's  Funeral.  Madam  Lever- 
ett,  Madam  Cook,  and  my  wife  and  I  rode  together  in  the 
Coach.  Major  Gen^  Winthrop,  Mr.  Cook,  and  Sewall  were 
Bearers  on  one  hand ;  and  Mr.  Russell,  Hathorne,  and 
Phillips  on  the  other  hand.  Rings  and  Scarvs.  Col. 
Winthrop,  Hutchinson,  Sergeant,  Lynde,  Thomas  were 
there. 

Sixth-day,  Apr.  2.  1697.  Lieut-Governour,  Mr.  Secre- 
tary, Col.  Shrimpton,  and  Sewall  ride  to  Salem.  It  rain'd 
most  of  the  way,  and  yet,  a  little  beyond  the  Butts,  Col. 
Gedny  met  the  Govf  with  a  small  Troop ;  and  in  the  Rain 
led  us  along  through  the  Town  to  the  Fort,  to  view  it  and 
see  what  condition  'twas  in ;  and  also  the  Brest- Work : 
From  thence  went  back  to  Col.  Gedney's.  Governour, 
Mr.  Secretary,  Col.  Phillips  and  Sewall  dined  there : 
From  about  two  post  meridiem,  the  wether  clear'd  and 
was  warm  About  3  was  the  Funeral;  Bearers,  Mr.  Dan- 
forth.  Major  Gen.  Winthrop,  Mr.  Cook,  Col.  Hutchinson, 
Sewall,  Mr.  Secretary :  Col.  Gedney  and  Major  Brown 
led  the  Widow;  I  bore  the  Feet  of  the  Corps  into  the 
Tomb,  which  is  new,  in  the  Old  Burying  place. 

Mr.  Willard,  Capt  Checkly,  Capt  Hill,  Capt  WilHams 
Cap*  Belchar  &c.  there. 

Mr.  Bromfield,  Mr.  Eyre.  Probably  very  many  would 
have  assisted,  had  not  the  wether  been  discouraging. 
Three  Volleys,  but  no  Great  Guns,  by  reason  of  the 
Scarcity  of  Powder.  Came  home  comfortably  in  the  Sun- 
shine ;  which  prov'd  well ;  for  the  next  morning  was  a  set 
Rain.  Ministers  at  the  Funeral,  Mr.  Willard,  Mr.  Shep- 
ard,  Mr.  Chiever,  Mr.  Higginson,  Noyes,  Mr.  Hale,  Mr. 
Gerrish,  Mr.  Hubbard  of  Ipswich,  which  are  all  I  took 
notice  of. 

Second-day,  Apr.  b^^.  No  Artillery  Training,  and  con- 
sequently no  choice  of  a  Minister  as  is  usual.  Last 
night  and   this   morning  were  very   cold,  possibly  that 


452  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1697, 

might  be  the  reason.  Street  of  earth  and  water  was  hard 
frozen. 

Apr.  8.  1697.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  gives  notice  that  the 
Lecture  hereafter  is  to  begin  at  Eleven  of  the  Clock,  an 
hour  sooner  than  formerly  :  Reprov'd  the  Towns  people 
that  attended  no  better ;  fear'd  twould  be  an  omen  of  our 
not  enjoying  the  Lecture  long,  if  did  not  amend. 

In  the  Mornino;  ao^reed  with  Mr.  Wilkins  ^  about  Sam's 
living  with  him.     Unkle  Quinsey  is  here. 

Second-day  Apr.  12.  1697.  Sam.  begins  to  go  to  Mr. 
Wilkins ;  Sold  some  of  the  Joy  of  Faith  and  some  of  Dr. 
Goodwin's  3'^  volum.  At  night  we  read  Gal.  6.  9.  —  in 
due  season  we  shall  reap,  if  we  faint  not.  Lord  furnish 
father  and  Son  with  Faith. 

This  day  Artillery  meets  :  chuse. 

Cold  by  this  day  senight.^  Jn*^  Marshal  that  waited  on 
the  Council  and  Selectmen  and  us'd  to  enquire  after  New- 
comers, is  buried,  and  Braintry-Harris. 

April  29.  5*"  day  is  signalised  by  the  Atchievment  of 
Haiiah  Dustin,  Mary  Neif,  and  Samuel  Leiierson ;  who 
kill'd  Two  men  [Indians],  their  Masters,  and  two  women 
and  6.  others,  and  have  brought  in  Ten  Scalps. 

May  1.  1697.  The  first  Sheet  of  Phcenomena  Apoca- 
lyptica  is  wrought  off.  3"^  day  May  11.  Elisabeth  Sewall, 
and  Joana  Gerrish  set  sail  for  Newbury  in  Edward  Poor, 
between  10.  and  11.  a-clock,  fair  wind.  Sent  my  Father 
a  cheese  and  Barrel  of  Flower  by  him.  Aunt  Quinsey, 
and  Cousin   Edmund  here.     Fourth-day,  May  12.,  very 


1  This  was  probably  Richard  Wilkins,  bookseller,  of  Boston,  commemo- 
rated by  Dunton  in  his  Letters  from  New  England,  as  his  landlord.  Wilkins 
was  a  bookseller  in  Limerick,  and  came  here  for  conscience'  sake,  with  Rev. 
Mr.  Bailey.  Thomas  (Hist,  of  Printing)  says  he  died  at  Milton,  Dec.  10, 
1704,  aged  eighty-one,  and  was  buried  at  Boston.  Samuel  Sewall,  Jr.,  enters 
on  his  journal  that  "Mr.  Wilkins  dyed  at  Mr.  Thatcher's,  of  Milton,"  &c. 
—  Eds. 

2  This  phrase  we  understand  to  mean  "  cold  for  a  week ;  "  see  entry  undei 
April  5th.  —  Eds. 


1697.]  DIAEY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  453 

brisk  Southerly  wind ;  so  that  hope  Betty  is  got  well  to 
Newbury.  This  day  wrought  off  the  first  half-sheet  of 
the  Phcenomena ;  which  I  corrected  my  self.  Haiiah 
Dustan  came  to  see  us ;  I  gave  her  part  of  Conecticut 
Flax.  She  saith  her  Master,  whom  she  kill'd,  did  formerly 
live  with  Mr.  Roulandson  at  Lancaster:  He  told  her, 
that  when  he  pray'd  the  English  way,  he  thought  that 
was  good :  but  now  he  found  the  French  way  was  better. 
The  single  man  shewed  the  night  before,  to  Sam!  Len- 
arson,  how  he  used  to  knock  Englishmen  on  the  head  and 
take  off  their  Scalps ;  little  thinking  that  the  Captives 
would  make  some  of  their  first  experiment  upon  himself. 
Sam.  Lenarson  kill'd  him.^ 

May,  17.  1697.  I  accompany  the  Maj""  Gen^  and  Mr. 
Cook  to  Salem,  and  so  to  Ipswich.  Before  I  got  to  Mrs. 
Apleton's  she  was  gone  to  Bed  :  So  Mr.  Rogers  having 
invited  me,  I  lodged  there. 

May  20.  ride  to  Rowly,  Newbury,  lodge  at  my  Fathers, 
who  is  indispos'd  by  a  Rheum  in  his  eyes ;  Much  Rain 
at  Newbury :  Little  or  none  at  Salem.  May.  23.  I 
lead  my  dear  Mother  to  Meeting,  and  hear  Mr.  Tapan 
preach. 

May  24.  I  perswade  Father  to  make  a  settlement  of 
Land  and  Marsh  on  Bro'"  J.  Sewall :  I  take  the  Acknowl- 
edgmt  May  25.  Brof  St.  S.  Records  it.  Mr.  Noyes 
and  I  dispute  about  the  Fifth  Seal.  Come  to  the  Blew 
Bell,^  refresh  there;  visit  Mr.  Wigglesworth,  meet  with 
Mr.  Tapan  from  Reading,  and  ride  with  him  to  Charles- 
town. 

May  26,  1697.  Election-day:  Capt  Foster  Guards 
the  Governour  to  the  Town-house,  where  the  Court  had 


1  For  a  full  account  of  the  heroic  deeds  of  Hannah  Dustan,  see  Chase's 
History  of  Haverhill  (1861),  pp.  185-194.  —Eds. 

2  Drake  states  that  the  Blue  Bell  and  Indian  Queen  taverns  stood  on  each 
side  of  a  passage  formerly  leading  from  Washington  Street  to  Hawley  Street. 
—  Eds. 


454  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1697. 

a   Treat.      Mr.  Danforth    preaches.      Dine  at  the   stone 
house. 

W^  Stoughton  Esq.  64.  Tho  Danforth  77.  Col.  Pyn- 
chon  61.  Wait  Winthrop  54.  I.  Russell  69.  Col.  Ged- 
ney  66.  Elisha  Cook  57.  Col.  Hathorn  76.  EHsha 
Hutchinson  80.  S.  Sewall  78.  Isaac  Addington  63.  Ma- 
jor Brown,  57.  Jn°  Foster  70.  Peter  Sergeant  64.  Col. 
Phillips  74.  Jon^  Corwin  58.  Col.  Wally  86.  Col. 
Pierce  64.  PHmouth  —  Lothrop  73.  Jn^  Thacher  69. 
Thomas  54.     Saffin  39. 

Election,  May  26,  1697  Main  [e]  Hutchinson,  Frost, 
Wheelright,  untold.  Zagadahock,  Col.  Joseph  Lynde,  un- 
told. 

At  Large 
Major  Bradford,  and  Col  Shrimp  ton. 

June  1,  1697.  I  goe  to  the  Funeral  of  my  Tutor,  Mr. 
Tho.  Graves ;  accompanied  Col.  Pynchon,  Mr.  Cook,  Ad- 
dington, Sergeant,  Saffin.  Bearers  were,  Capt.  Byfield, 
Mr  Leverett ;  Capt.  Sprague,  Capt.  Hamond ;  Mr  James 
Oliver,  Mr.  Simon  Bradstreet.  Charlestown  Gent,  had 
Gloves ;  Mr.  Danforth  had  none  that  I  observ'd.  Mr. 
Morton  is  very  short-breath,  sat  upon  a  Tomb  in  the  bury- 
ing-place,  and  said,  for  ought  he  knew  he  should  be  next. 
Mr.  Willard,  Pierpont,  N.  H.,  Mr.  Brattle,  and  Mr.  Angier, 
Mr.  Wadsworth  there.  Mr.  Graves  was  a  godly  learned 
Man,  a  good  Tutor,  and  solid  preacher :  His  obstinat  ad- 
herence to  some  superstitious  conceipts  of  the  Comon- 
Prayerbook,  bred  himself  and  others  a  great  deal  of 
Trouble :  yet  I  think  he  kept  to  the  Church  at  Charles- 
town  as  to  his  most  constant  attendance ;  especially  on 
the  Lords  Day.  Has  left  one  Son  by  Mr.  Stedman's 
daughter. 

My  Tutors  are  gon;  the  Lord  help  me  to  do  worthily 
while  I  stay  here ;  and  be  in  a  readiness  to  follow  after ! 

June,  9.  1697.  I  have  my  Wife  to  Newton  to  take  the 
Aer,  Mr.  Ohver,  his  wife  and  little  daughter  ride  with  us, 


i697.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  455 

Dine  at  Mr.  Hobart's;  Mr.  Eyre  and  wife  ride  in  their 
Calash.  Mr.  James  OHver  and  wife,  Mr.  Dudley  and  Mrs 
Mico,  Mr.  Pemberton,  and  Mrs.  Betty  Oliver ;  Mr.  Noyes 
and  Sarah  Oliver  there  too.  Mr.  Gershom  Hobart  was 
there.  After  Diner  sung  the  113.  and  24.  Psalms,  Yiew'd 
the  new  frame  of  their  Meeting  House.  Mrs.  Jackson 
there.  Walk'd  out  before  dmer  and  gather'd  my  wife 
a  handfull  of  strawberries.  Call'd  at  B —  White's  com- 
ing home.  June  11.  about  5  p.m.  My  wife  is  taken 
with  extream  Pain  and  illness,  Vomiting  and  Flux. 
Told  me  when  I  came  home,  was  afraid  should  never 
have  seen  me  more.  Took  a  Pill  in  the  night :  Disease 
abates. 

June  12,  1697.  Betty  gets  her  Mother  a  Mess  of 
English  Beans ;  which  she  makes  a  shift  to  eat.  These 
are  our  First  Fruits. 

Second-Day,  June,  28.  1697.  I  visit  my  sick  languish- 
ing Unkle  Quinsey ;  who  is  opressed  with  Difficulty  in 
voiding  his  Urine.     Was  very  glad  to  see  me. 

Cous.  Edmund  was  at  home.  Visited  Madam  Dudley  in 
coming  home,  and  condol'd  her  loss  of  her  Sons.  She 
startled  me  in  telling  that  I  had  not  heard  the  sad  News 
from  Boston  ;  which  was  that  Ric^  Willard  was  drown'd  at 
Cambridge.  Alas  !  As  went  to  Braintry,  I  saw  their 
Neals  ^  reaping  down  a  good  field  of  French  Barly :  I  de- 
sire to  bless  God  for  giving  me  to  see  the  First  fruits  in 
such  a  time  of  Scarcity. 

June,  29.  I  went  and  saw  more  than  twenty  Bushels 
of  Salt  raked,  which  is  the  most  hath  been  raked  in  any 
one  day  yet.  Bich3"  Willard  is  buried.  He  went  to  Cam- 
bridge and  was  admitted ;  and  then  went  into  the  River, 


'  There  is  some  error  in  the  text  here.  It  should  possibly  be  "  saw  there 
—  Neals  reaping,"  or  "  saw  the  Neals  reaping."  This  we  infer  because  at 
Braintree  lived  Henry  Neal,  whose  will  of  1688-91  provided  for  four  sons 
and  eleven  daughters.  His  sons  Joseph  and  Benjamin  were  both  heads  of 
families  in  Braintree  at  this  date.  —  Eds. 


456  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1697. 

and  was  drowned  with  his  Admission  in  his  Pocket.  His 
father  and  Mother  mourn  sorely.^ 

July,  7.  1697.  I  ride  with  my  wife  and  Mr.  Stoddard 
and  his  wife  to  the  Comencement.  Mr.  Willard,  W""  Hub- 
bard, Cotton,  [of]  Phmouth,  Whiting,  Brinsmead  not  there. 
Note.  Mr.  Moodey  was  buried  the  day  before  ;  was  a  very 
great  Funeral.  Many  Ministers  and  Magistrates  there. 
'Twas  celebrated  with  the  discourse  of  Major  Frost's  death. 
Had  him  laid  in  our  Tomb.  Friday,  July,  16.  1697.  L* 
Gov""  went  to  the  Castle,  had  with  him  Mr.  Usher,  Col. 
Pyne,  Maj^  Gen^,  Mr.  Cook,  Elisha  Hutchinson,  Mr.  Secre- 
tary, Foster,  Sergeant,  Sewall,  Mr,  Allen,  Mr.  S.  Mather, 
Capt.  Byfield,  Mr.  Eyre,  Mr.  Bridgham,  Capt.  Legg. 
Many  Guns  fired :  about  10,  at  a  mark  with  Bullets. 
Coming  back,  touched  at  Noddle's  Island,  and  saw  Col. 
Shrimpton.  Capt.  Clark  hoisted  his  Flagg ;  and  about 
our  entrance  within  the  Wharf,  fired  9.  Guns,  very  smart 
ones.  Note.  Dined  in  their  chapel,  and  after  that  sung 
the  2d  part  of  the  24^  Psalm.  Col.  Hutchinson,  Maj' 
Townsend,  Mr.  Eyre,  Mr.  Bridgam,  Capt.  Legg  and  S.  S. 
dined  at  a  little  Table  by  our  selves. 

When  got  home  went  to Burrough's  Meeting  :    Mr. 

Willard  had  begun  his  sermon,  preached  excellently  from 
those  Words,  But  the  wise  took  Oyle  in  their  vessels 
with  their  Lamps.  Doct.  They  who  would  always  be  in  a 
readiness  for  Christs  uncertain  coming  ;  must  see  that  they 
have  Grace  in  their  hearts,  and  that  they  always  keep  it 
in  exercise.  Propounded  3  especial  Graces  necessary  in 
order  to  our  being  ready ;  Faith,  Fear,  Love. 

Rains  sweetly  at  night,  is  a  Rainbow  in  the  morn  as 
Mr.  Goose  tells  me.  Mr.  Hezekiah  Usher ^  died  at  Lin; 
July  11^^  was  brought  to  Boston,  and  laid  in  his  father's 

1  This  was  the  son  of  Rev.  Samuel  AVillard,  of  the  South  Church,  in  Bos- 
ton, 1G78-1707,  and  President  of  Harvard  College  from  1701  to  1707.  —Eds 

2  The  will  of  Hezekiah  Usher,  Jr.,  a  very  carious  document,  is  printed 
with  notes  in  the  Historical  Magazine  for  September,  1868.  —  Eds. 


1697.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  457 


Tomb,  July  14,  1697.  Bearers  W.  Winthrop,  Cook, 
Sewall,  Addington,  Sergeant,  Eli.  Hutchinson ;  Mr.  Wil- 
lards  Bearers  for  Richard,  were  Mr.  White,  Mather,  Pem- 
berton,  Burr,  Bradstreet,  WilUams. 

Sixth  half  sheet,  July  17,  wrought  off  the  Letter  D.  of 
my  Phcen.  Went  to  the  Neck,  and  Col.  Hutchinson  laid 
out  the  Land  for  their  Salt  Works. ^ 

Fourth-day,  Aug*  11.  1697.     Johnson's  ship  was  burnt 

in  Charlestown  Rode,  a  great  ship  of Tuns,  loaden 

with  Lumber. 


•  As  our  local  histories  seem  to  be  silent  about  this  enterprise,  we  may 
explain  that  by  Chap.  18  of  Acts  of  1695,  1696,  Elisha  Cook,  Elisha  Hutch- 
inson and  John  Foster,  with  their  associates,  received  a  monopoly  of  making 
salt  in  the  Province  "  after  the  manner  as  it  is  made  in  France,"  for  the 
space  of  fourteen  years.  They  were  required  only  to  produce  one  hundred 
hogsheads  of  good  salt  before  the  end  of  the  year  1700. 

They  seem  to  have  proceeded  to  work  by  selecting  the  marshes  on  the 
Keck  towards  Roxbury,  outside  of  the  line  of  the  fortifications. 

We  find  recorded  in  Suff.  Deeds,  Lib.  20,  f.  206,  an  indenture  made 
Sept.  10,  1700,  between  John  Fayerweather,  et  al.,  a  committee  of  the  Propri- 
etors of  the  Common  on  the  Neck  in  Boston,  and  Elisha  Cooke,  Elisha  Hutcli- 
inson,  John  Foster  and  their  associates  holding,  by  an  act  of  the  Assembly,  8th 
of  present  reign,  the  whole  privilege  of  making  salt  for  a  certain  time.  It  con- 
veys to  Cook,  &c.,  two  parcels  of  marsh  on  the  Neck,  one  on  each  side  of  the 
road  to  Roxbury,  where  work  had  already  been  begun.  The  east  parcel  was 
bounded.  West  by  the  road,  South  and  East  by  the  banks  already  cast  up, 
North  by  the  upland.  The  west  parcel  was  bounded.  East  by  the  road, 
South  as  run  and  staked  out  from  the  road  to  the  great  pond  in  the  marsh. 
West  by  the  pond  and  marsh  for  about  three  hundred  feet,  North  by  a  line 
to  the  street,  also  three  hundred  feet.  Also  another  skip  of  marsh  running 
north  from  said  northerly  line  to  the  salt-water  cove,  and  in  breadth  about 
three  Imndred  feet.  The  lessees  were  to  maintain  a  highway  betwixt  the 
marsh,  from  upland  to  upland,  during  their  lease. 

A  plan  of  the  land  is  recorded  with  this  lease;  and  both  seem  to  be  re- 
corded again  in  Lib.  25,  f.  52. 

It  appears  by  Deeds,  Lib.  30,  f.  178,  dated  June  2,  1716,  that  other 
associates  were  admitted;  viz.,  Waitstill  Winthrop,  Samuel  Sewall,  Eliakim 
Hutchinson,  Penn  Townsend,  Nathaniel  Byfield,  Samuel  Shrimpton,  John 
Eyre,  Simeon  Stoddard,  John  Mico,  Joseph  Parson,  Edward  Hutchinson. 
Of  these,  Eliakim  Hutchinson  and  Nathaniel  Byfield  each  held  two  six- 
teenths and  the  others  one  sixteenth  each. 

These  all  sold  May  4,  1730,  aU  their  rights  to  Henry  Gibbon  and  Samuel 
Gibbon  (Deeds,  Lib.  77,  f.  219).  — Ed.s 


458  DIARr    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1697. 

This  day  a  Fast  was  kept  at  Cousin  Savages  for  his 
sister  Thacher.  Mr.  Willard  and  Thacher  Pray'd  and 
preach'd  excellently.  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  pray'd;  my  wife 
and  I  sup'd  there. 

Fourth-day ;  Septf  8. 1697.  The  Governour  and  Council 
first  meet  in  the  Council-Chamber,  as  it  is  now  fitted  with 
cieling,  Glazing,  Painting,  new  Floor  that  brings  it  to  a 
Level ;  New  Hearth  even  with  it.  Deputies  sent  for  in  ; 
L*  Governour  made  a  Speech,  that  as  they  saw  by  the 
many  Prorogations,  He  hoped  my  Lord  should  have  now 
receiv'd  them.  I  presented  his  Honour  with  the  view  of 
a  half-sheet,  which  begins  In  quatuor  angulis  terrce.  Col. 
Pierce  gave  an  account  of  the  Body  of  Lime-Stone  discov- 
er'd  at  Newbury,  and  the  order  of  the  Selectmen  published 
by  James  Brown,  Dept  Sheriff,  to  prohibit  any  persons 
from  carrying  any  more  away  under  the  penalty  of  20^ 
It  seems  they  began  to  come  with  Teams  by  30.  in  a  day : 
The  Town  will  have  a  Meeting,  and  bring  it  to  some  Reg- 
ulation. Our  Momford  saith  tis  good  Marble.  Ens.  James 
Noyes  found  it  out.^ 

Sam.  and  Hanah  and  Betty  ride  to  Braintray  and 
Weymouth  \  Joseph  and  Mary  go  over  to  Charles- 
town. 

Sixth-day,  Septf  10.  1697.  Court  passe th  an  Act  about 
suplies  to  other  Provinces,  of  Men,  if  occasion  be ;  to  con- 
tinue till  the  end  of  next  May  Sessions.  Twas  dark,  and 
a  Candle  was  brought  in  :  Mr.  Woodbridge  went  to  Prayer, 
which  is  the  first  hath  been  made  in  the  Council  Chamber 
since  its  being  very  well  fitted  up  and  made  new.  Pray'd 
that  our  Land-defiling  sins  might  be  pardon'd  -,  and  Land- 
destroying  Judgments  remov'd.     Pray'd  that  God  would 


1  CoflBn  (Hist,  of  Newbury,  p.  165)  cites  this  passage,  and  adds  that 
Sewall  refers  to  this  discovery  of  lime-stone  in  his  Phcenomena,  p.  61:.  This 
seems  to  have  been  the  first  body  of  lime-stone  discovered  in  Massachusetts, 
and  was  of  great  publia  value,  as  prior  to  that  time  lime  was  obtained  here 
only  from  shells.  — Eds. 


I 


I 


1697.]  DIAKY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  459 

be  favourably  with  us  at  our  next  Meeting.  Court  was 
prorogued  to  fourth-day  Oct^  13.  9.  mane. 

Sabbath;  Sep^  12.  1697.  We  hear  of  the  slaughter 
made  at  Lancaster  yesterday. 

Sept^  13.  At  Roxbury  Mr.  Danforth  tells  me  that  Mr. 
Whiting,  the  Minister,  was  dead  and  buried  :  Indians  shot 
and  scalped  him  about  noon.  We  rid  to  Dedham  and  re- 
freshed there  :  Dined  at  Billenges.  Lodged  at  Childs's, 
at  Rehoboth. 

Sept^  14.  Went  to  Bristow  over  the  Ferry,  Bridge 
being  down.  Lodge  at  Mr.  Wilkins;  were  met  by  sundry 
of  Bristow  Gentlemen.  Issued  our  Business  to  good  Satis- 
faction to  our  selves ;  Fourth-day  was  a  storm,  else  might 
have  husbanded  it  so  as  to  have  come  to  Rehoboth  that 
night :     But  are  glad  of  the  Rain  after  so  sore  a  Drought. 

Sepf"  16.  fifth-day,  Mr.  Danforth  and  I  and  our  men,  set 
out  to  come  home,  Not  one  creature  , accompanying  us  to 
the  Ferry.  Had  a  very  comfortable  Journey  No  Dust 
moving.  Visited  Mr.  Greenwood  Din'd  at  Woodcocks 
with  boil'd  venison :  Discoursed  with  a  Lin  Quaker  remov- 
ing to  Philadelphia,  one  Burrel;  Advis'd  him  to  read  the 
35-  of  Jeremiah  :  The  Contents  in  that  Bible  mentioned 
Pride,  which  he  was  guilty  of.  Go  by  Wrentham ;  visit 
Mr.  Mann,  who  hath  11.  children.  From  thence  to  Med^ 
field.  Lodge  at  Cap*  Barbers,  visit  Mrs.  Wilson  in  the  even ; 
give  her  4  p^  f  [pieces  of  eight,  Spanish  dollars]. 

Sepf"  17.  I  view  Mr.  Baxters  House  and  the  Orchard 
Capt  Frary  hath  given  to  the  Ministry,  which  lies  very 
convenient ;  A  living  Brook  runing  by  it ;  and  throw  Mr. 
Baxters.  Visit  Capt.  Thurston,  who  was  glad  to  see  me. 
When  at  Dedham  visit  Mr.  Belchar;  Mr.  Whitman  is 
there,  are  going  to  Connecticut.  Got  home  a  little  before 
one^os^  meridiem.  Is  a  Rumor  at  Rehoboth  that  Col. 
Gibson  is  gon  into  Canada.  One  Jamison  brought  on  the 
news  of  our  Armys  Engagement.  Blessed  be  God  who 
hath  carried  us  out  and  brought  us  home  safely  and  that 


460  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1697. 

preservs  so  many  of  our  Towns  like  Flocks  of  Sheep  in  a 
howling  Wilderness,  naked  and  defenceless. 

Sixth-day,  Oct-  1.  1697.  Jer.  Balchar's  sons  came  for 
us  to  go  to  the  Island.  My  Wife,  through  Indisposition, 
could  not  goe  :  But  I  carried  Sam.  Haiiah,  Elisa,  Joseph, 
Mary  and  Jane  Tapan :  I  prevail' d  with  Mr.  Willard  to 
goe,  He  carried  Simon,  Elisabeth,  William,  Margaret,  and 
Elisa  Tyng :  Had  a  very  comfortable  Passage  thither  and 
home  again ;  though  against  Tide :  Had  first  Butter, 
Honey,  Curds  and  Cream.  For  Diner,  very  good  Kost 
Lamb,  Turkey,  Fowls,  Aplepy.  After  Diner  sung  the  121 
Psalm.  Note.  A  Glass  of  spirits  my  Wife  sent  stood  upon 
a  Joint-Stool  which,  Simon  W.  jogging,  it  fell  down  and 
broke  all  to  shivers :  I  said  twas  a  lively  Emblem  of  our 
Fragility  and  Mortality.  When  came  home  met  Capt 
Scottow  led  between  two :  He  came  to  visit  me  and  fell 
down  and  hurt  himself ;  bruis'd  his  Nose,  within  a  little  of 
our  House. 

Upon  the  fourth  day  of  the  Week  Sept^  29,  1697,  A 
Council  met  at  Plimouth : 

Sepf  30.  fifth  day,  They  published  their  Advice,  that 
Mr.  Cotton^  should  make  an  orderly  secession  from  the 
Church.  Advis'd  the  Church  to  dismiss  him  with  as  much 
Charity  as  the  Rule  would  admit  of  ;  and  provide  for  them- 
selvs.  This  was  for  his  Notorious  Breaches  of  the  Seventh 
Cofnandmt,  and  Undue  Carriage  in  chusing  Elders.  Thus 
Christs  words  are  fuUfilled,  Unsavoury  Salt  is  cast  to  the 
Dunghill.     A  most  awfull  Instance  ! 

Fourth  day  Octy  6.  1697.  A  Church  is  gathered  at 
Watertown,  East-end,  and  Mr.  Gibbs  Ordained.  Mr.  Fox 
ordains,  Mr.  Sherman  gives  the  Right  Hand  of  Fellowship. 
This  was  done  in  the  Afternoon  in  the  open  Aer  though  a 

1  This  was  Rev.  John  Cotton,  son  of  the  more  distinguished  minister  of 
Boston.  After  his  dismissal,  he  "  went  to  Charleston,  S.  C,  in  November, 
1698,  and  there  was  minister  to  his  death  of  the  yellow  fever,  18  September 
following,"  says  Savage.  —  Eds. 


I 


1697.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  461 

cold  day.  The  Western  party,  having  the  Select-Men  on 
their  side,  got  possession  of  the  Meetinghouse,  and  would 
not  suffer  the  Assembly  to  enter  there.  The  Lord  be 
mercifull  to  his  people,  pardon  our  sins  and  heal  our  gaping 
wounds.  Mr.  Torrey  tells  me  that  Mr.  Mather  declar'd 
among  the  Ministers  Oct''  7.  that  they  had  dealt  too  fa- 
vourably with  Mr.  Cotton.  Fourth-day,  Oct^  13.  1697. 
The  Company  of  young  Merchants  Treat  the  Gov'"  and  all 
of  the  Council  in  Boston,  at  George  Monk's.  Cap*  Tuttle 
and  L*  Winthrop  invited  the  evening  before.  Came  be- 
tween 12  and  1.  to  the  Townh.  Chamber  and  Guarded  the 
Governour  and  Council  to  the  Anchor.^  Mr.  Sam^  Mather 
is  the  Chaplain.  No  other  Minister  there.  Mr.  Noyes  is 
ensign.  After  Diner  They  Guarded  his  Honour  and  tha 
Council  to  the  Council-Chamber  again;  and  then  gave 
three  very  handsom  Volleys. 

This  day  I  printed  off  my  last  half  sheet  and  told   the 
Governour  I  might  safely  deliver  it  his   Honour,  being 
under  so  good  a  Guard  ;  twas  at  G.  Monk's.    In  the  Even- 
ing Mat.  26.  is  read  in  the  family  in  course,  0  my  Fathei 
if  it  be  possible  &c. 

Seventh-day  Oct^  16.  K.  being  alter'd,  and  composed 
anew,  is  wrought  off.  The  Fires  make  great  Havock  of 
Hay,  Medow,  Fence,  Timber  &c.  Aer  hath  been  filFd 
with  smoke  for  above  a  week. 

Col.  Gedney  had  his  wife  to  Ipswich  as  he  went  to  New- 
bury Court,  and  she  falls  sick  and  dyes  there  in  about  3 
weeks  time.  Died  on  Friday  night  last;  heard  not  of  it 
till  this  day  Ocf-  17.  1697. 

Air  is  full  of  smoke  by  reason  of  the  Fires.  Octob-  20. 
1697.     I  wait  on  the  Lieut  Governour  at  Dorchester,  and 


1  Concerning  the  Blue  Anchor  Tavern,  kept  by  George  Monk,  see  Dun- 
ton's  Letters  (Prince  Soc.  Pub.),  pp.  311-313.  It  stood  on  Washington 
Street,  forty  feet  north  of  the  College  estate,  now  occupied  by  Little,  Brown 
&  Co.  From  it  was  derived,  doubtless,  the  name  of  Pudding  Lane,  now 
Devonshire  Street.  —  Eds. 


462  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1697 

there  meet  with  Mr.  Torry,  breakfast  together  on  Venison 
and  Chockalatte  :  I  said  Massachuset  and  Mexico  met  at 
his  Honour's  Table.  When  I  first  saw  the  Lieut.  Govern- 
our  He  was  Carting  Ears  of  Corn  from  the  uper  Barn. 
At  Noon  visit  Mr.  Morton,  and  Mrs.  ColHns,  at  Charles- 
town. 

Satterday,  Octr  30.  1697.  Several  Acts  are  published ; 
particularly  that  against  Atheisme  and  Blasphemie.  Mr. 
Allen  prays ;  Lieut.  Governour  Prorogues  the  Assembly 
to  Dec.  15.  9  mane.  Mr.  Cook  and  I  write  a  Warrant  for 
the  Adjournm't  of  Salem  Court  to  the  16*!'  November, 
because  of  the  Thanksgiving.     Mr.  Jewet  much  for  it. 

Fifth-day,  Novf  4*^.^  Guns  fired  with  respect  to  the 
King's  Birth-day.  At  night  great  Illumination  made  in 
the  Town-house ;  Governour  and  Council  and  many  Gen- 
tlemen there.  About  8.  Mr.  Brattle  and  Newman  let  fly 
their  Fireworks  from  Cotton-Hill ;  Governour  and  Council 
went  thither  with  a  Trumpet  sounding.  Note.  Govern- 
our, Mr.  Secretary  and  I  went  to  see  Mr.  Morton ;  before 
these  works  began,  Had  the  Epistle  to  his  Honour,  a 
proof  of  it,  in  my  pocket :  but  had  not  oportunity  to  shew 
it :  was  taken  this  day.  I  went  and  visited  Mr.  Baily, 
who  discoursed  pretty  cheerily.  There  is  News  that  the 
D[uke]  of  Saxony  is  turned  Roman,  and  chosen  King  of 
Poland. 

Third-day,  Novemb''  9'?  The  Epistle  to  the  Lieut-Gov- 
ernour,  which  is  the  last  half-Sheet,  is  wro't  off,  and  the 
Book  is  set  to  sale  in  Mr.  Wilkins's  shop.  One  is  sold. 
Could  not  be  wrought  off  last  week,  nor  yesterday ;  be- 
cause of  the  Laws.  Mr.  Flint  of  Norwich  came  in  to  the 
Printing-Room :  I  gave  him  a  Book  stich'd  up,  which  is 
the  first  perfect  Book  I  have  given  away.  Nov""  8.  I  was 
mourning  and  praying  to  God ;  and  it  seems  my  dear 
Bro''  was  sorrowing  in  the  Burial  of  his  little  Hanah  which 
I  receiv'd  an  account  of  this  day. 

In  the  even  met  at  Mr.  Bridghams  about  the  Bridge ; 


1697.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  463 

Before  came  away  sang  all  the  ordinary  Tuenes.  Sung 
2^  part  24.  Ps  48.  PS  147.  Part  of  the  46.  2''  part  102. 
Maj'^  Wally,  Mr.  Bridgham,  Cap*  Hill,  Cap*  Wing. 

Fourth-day  NovF  10^^  L*  Governour  and  Council  met  at 
the  Council  Chamber,  were  warn'd  by  Maxwell  the  day 
before.  I  took  that  oportunity  to  present  the  L*  Gov- 
ernour with  seven  Phcenomena  !  I  said  the  Records  and 
References  were  laid  before  his  Hon''  as  it  were  in  open 
Court;  and  pray'd  that  his  Honour  would  judge  of  the 
Cause  according  to  its  own  Merits,  and  not  according  to 
the  deficiency  of  the  Attorney,  who  had  fallen  short  as  to 
the  duely  urging  of  many  proper  pleas  His  Honour  said 
it  should  be  favourably  judged  of.  In  the  evening,  not 
having  a  Thanksgiving  sermon  at  hand,  I  resolv'd  to  read 
in  course,  not  thinking  what  the  Chapter  might  be,  and  it 
prov'd  to  be  Luke,  1.  I  aplied  Marys  question  to  the 
business  of  the  Natives ;  Though  means  fail'd,  God  could 
easily  convert  them:  Sung  the  song  of  Zecharra  and 
Simeon. 

In  the  morn.  Nov""  12*^  Sung  in  course  the  24**"  Ps.,  which 
was  not  aware  of  till  my  Son  named  it.  Much  Rain  fell 
this  day  and  night  following ;  which  was  extreamly  needed, 
for  the  Wells,  for  Cattell  to  drink,  and  for  the  Mills. 

Novf  13  being  at  Mrs.  Hillers  to  present  her  with  a 
Print,  and  having  only  one  left  about  me,  Mr.  Nehemia 
Willoughby  came  to  the  door,  and  I  sent  it  to  m}^  Bro!"  to 
Salem  by  him,  with  Condolance  for  the  burial  of  his 
Daughters.  Tuesday,  Nov!*  16.  1697.  I  ride  to  Salem 
with  the  Major  General.  As  went  along  in  Boston,  I 
saw  Sheriff  Bradford ;  and  gave  him  one  of  the  Phcenomena 
for  his  Father,  as  was  on  horse  back.  Fourth-day  Nov!" 
17.  Lecture-(}ay.  Mr.  Noyes  preached  excellently  from 
Ps.  122.  6.  Pray  for  Jerusalem,  her  peace  &c.  Mr.  Hig- 
ginson  dined  with  us ;  I  gave  him  a  Booke,  which  he 
kindly  accepted.  Desired  me  to  come  to  him;  I  went 
next  day  in  the  Even.     He  gave  me  a  Treatise  against 


464  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1G97 

Perriwigs,  and  left  it  to  me  to  do  with  it  as  I  pleased.  1 
mention' d  Printing  it.  He  said  would  not  have  it  done 
while  he  liv'd  however.^ 

Sixth-day,  NovF  19.  Mr.  Higginson  comes  as  far  as 
Brothers  to  see  me ;  which  I  wonder'd  at.  Mr.  Hale  and 
I  lodg'd  together :  He  discours'd  me  about  writing  a  His- 
tory of  the  Witchcraft ;  ^  I  fear  lest  he  go  into  the  other 
extream.  Came  home  with  the  Maj'"  General,  din'd  at 
Madam  Paiges;  there  found  Hancock,  Allen,  and  Sam. 
Haugh.  Found  all  well,  Laus  Deo.  At  Col.  Paiges  was 
told  of  the  Death  of  Mrs.  Thatcher.  When  came  home, 
Mr.  Cooke  told  me  of  the  death  of  Mr.  Hooker  of  Farm- 
ington. 

Novy  20.  rid  with  Mr.  Willard,  Allen,  Wadsworth,  Bridg- 
ham  to  Mrs  Thachers  Funeral  — Mr.  Allen  pray'd.  Gave 
Gloves,  Mr.  Torrey,  Fisk,  Danforth,  Belchar  were  also 
there.  Din'd  after  the  Funeral,  and  came  home.  Mr. 
Willard  told  me  of  the  falling  out  between  the  President 
and  him  about  Chusing  Fellows  last  Monday.  Mr.  Mather 
has  sent  him  word.  He  will  never  come  to  his  House  more 
till  he  give  him  satisfaction.  Got  home  before  sun-set. 
He  tells  me  that  he  had  preached  upon  the  Seals,  and  con- 
cluded those  Sermons  the  last  Lecture,  and  now  I  have 
put  a  Treatise  into  his  hand  relating  to  them. 

Nov''  24,1  visited  Unkle  Quinsey,  met  Mr.  Torrey  there. 
[Read  in?]  Flying  Post  or  Post-Master,  Nov^  27.  — 30 
On  Friday  night  last,  Mr.  Timothy  Cruso,  an  eminent 
Non-Conformist  Minister  in  the  City  departed  this  Life  ; 
and  will  be  this  day  interr'd. 

Dec""  7*?  went  on  foot  to  Cambridge,  alone,  visited  Mr. 


1  This  was  probably  Rev.  John  Higginson,  of  Salem,  who  died  in  1708, 
aged  ninety-four.  Although  several  of  his  works  were  printed,  we  believe 
that  this  production  did  not  receive  the  honors  of  type.  — Eds. 

2  Rev.  John  Hale,  of  Beverly,  published  in  1702  "A  Modest  Enquiry 
into  the  Nature  of  Witchcraft,"  &c.,  pp.  176.  See  Sibley's  Harvard  Gradu- 
ates, p.  519.  —  Eds. 


1697.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEW  ALL.  465 

Clark  and  his  wife.  He  shews  me  Dr.  Goodwin — God 
can,  God  will,  give  an  Answer  of  Peace.  Widow  Alice 
Whitting,  Widow  Corlet,  Mr.  Brattle.  Came  down  with 
Capt.  Williams,  Capt  Stoddard,  Mr.  Simon  Stoddard.  Had 
a  very  comfortable  journey.  When  came  home  my  son 
presented  me  with  Mr.  Mathers  Dead  Faith.  Lord  help 
me  to  believe  and  repent. 

Fifth-day  Decembf  9.  1697.  Mr.  Willard  preacheth 
from  1  Jn?  2.  1.  My  little  children,  these  things  write 
I  unto  you  that  you  Sin  not.  Doct.  The  proper  ten- 
dency of  the  most  evangelical  Doctrines  of  the  Gospel 
is  to  keep  men  from  sining.  Mr.  Fisk  and  Mr.  Belchar 
dine  with  us.  This  day  about  3  p.m,  Gillam  arrives 
at  Marble-head,  Capt.  Balston,  a  Passenger,  comes  to 
Town  that  night.  Early  in  the  morn.  Dec!"  10*^?  Sixth- 
day,  Capt.  Clark  tells  me  of  it.  Letters  are  at  the  Post- 
house.  Mr.  Jn"  Willard  brings  the  Order  for  proclaiming 
the  Peace  here,  which  was  done  between  3  and  4.  p.m. 
Eight  or  10  Drums,  Two  Trumpets :  Prisoners  released. 
^Ir.  Cotton  Mather  was  at  the  Townhouse  Chamber  pretty 
merry  and  pleasant :  but  was  made  sad  by  Col.  Hutchin- 
sons  telling  him  of  the  death  of  his  Unkle  Mr.  N.  Mather, 
a  very  worthy  Friend  of  New  England.  Visited  the  Pres- 
ident in  the  evening.  He  is  sorrowful.  It  seems  Mr. 
Cole,  and  Mr.  Vincent  are  also  dead :  very  worthy  per- 
sons. The  ships  set  sail  from  Cows  Second  day  Novembr 
8.  1697,  at  Noon.     A  very  extraordinary  Passage. 

Lords-day  Dec-  12.  1697.  about  3.  p.m.  just  the  time  he 
should  have  stood  up  to  preach  for  Mr.  Willard,  Mr.  John 
Bayly  dieth,  after  much  pain  and  illness  by  the  Gout  and 
other  distempers.  Secund-day,  Dec!"  13.  1697.  I  ride  to 
Brain  try  to  visit  my  Unkle  Quinsey :  He  speaks  pretty 
freely  to  me.  Saith  he  must  run  with  open  arms  to  a 
dying  Saviour.  I  mentioned  the  publick  Interest :  He 
said  if  we  were  a  holy  and  humble  people,  God  would 
save  us.     Pray'd  God  to  bless  my  children  and  family.     I 

30 


466  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [169|. 

offer'd  to  have  staid  all  night :  but  he  desir'd  me  to  goe 
home. 

Fifth-day,  Decf  16.  Mr.  Bayly  is  buried.  Mr.  Cotton 
Mather  preach'd  a  funeral  sermon  from  Psal.  31.  5.  Great 
Assembly  though  a  very  Cold  day.  Dec''  17.  The  Dep- 
uties chuse  Major  Townsend  their  Speaker:  Council 
chuseth  Wait  Winthrop,  and  Elisha  Cooke,  Esqrs,  to  goe 
to  New- York  to  congratulate  his  Excellency s  Arrival, 
when  shall  receive  certain  advice  of  it. 

Dec-  18.     Address  and  Instructions  are  agreed  on. 

Deer  22.  1697.  A  Law  against  Exportation  of  Money 
is  published,  and  the  Court  prorogued  to  March  16.  at  one 
in  the  Afternoon.  No  Prayer  this  Court  that  I  hear  of  in 
the  Council.  It  hath  been  extream  cold.  Seventh-day, 
Decemb-  25.  97.  Snowy  day  :  Shops  are  open,  and  Carts 
and  sleds  come  to  Town  with  Wood  and  Fagots  as  formerly, 
save  what  abatement  may  be  allowed  on  account  of  the 
wether.  This  morning  we  read  in  course  the  14,  15,  and 
16^  Psalms.  From  the  4*^  v.  of  the  16^  Ps^  I  took  occa- 
sion to  dehort  mine  from  Christmas-keeping,  and  charged 
them  to  forbear.  Hanah  reads  Daniel,  6.  and  Betty,  Luke, 
12.  Joseph  tells  me  that  though  most  of  the  Boys  went 
to  the  Church  yet  he  went  not.  By  the  Intercession  of 
his  Mother,  and  his  brothers  Concession,  he  begins  to  read 
the  Psalm. 

Sixth-day,  JanT  7.  went  over  Charles  River  on  the  Ice, 
to  Charlestown  —  Lecture  and  came  back  on  the  Ice.  Mr. 
Brattle,  Mr.  D.  Oliver,  Mr.  Mico,  Newman,  Welsteed  in 
Comp-.  Mr.  Bradstreet's  Text  was  Mat.  7.  21,  an  awfull 
Scripture. 

Seventh-day,  Jan7  8,  between  ten  and  11.  m.  Parmiter 
comes  in,  and  tells  us  that  Unckle  Quinsey  died  between 

^  The  text  referred  to  is  as  follows:  "  Their  sorrows  shall  be  multiplied 
that  hasten  after  another  god ;  their  drink-offerings  of  blood  will  I  not  offer, 
nor  take  up  their  names  into  my  lips."  From  the  text  to  the  application  is 
a  step  not  so  easily  to  be  taken  at  the  present  time.  — Eds. 


169|.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEAVALL.  467 

7  and  8  last  night.  A  true  New  England  man,  and  one  of 
our  best  Friends,  is  gon. 

Fourth-day,  Jan7  12.  169|  went  to  the  Funeral  of  my 
dear  Unckle.  Went  in  the  Coach,  our  horse  failing  us, 
Took  in  Madam  Dudley,  sending  Mr.  Newman  before,  to 
tell  her;  she  seem'd  to  be  glad  of  the  Invitation  and 
were  mutually  refreshed  by  our  Company.  Had  my  wife. 
Cousin  Quinsey,  and  Madam  Dudley.  Bearers  were  Col. 
Paige,  L^  Col.  Hutchinson,  Mr.  Addington,  Mr.  E""  Hutch- 
inson, Major  Townsend,  Capt.  Dumer,  Major  Hunt,  and 
Ens.  Peniman  ;  had  Scarves.  Ensn.  Peniman  was  the  only 
Comission  Officer  of  Braintry  that  could  come  abroad. 
Ministers  there,  Mr.  Torrey,  Mr.  Willard,  Mr.  Fisk,  Thacher, 
Danforth,  Baxter ;  I  saw  from  Boston  Capt.  Hill,  Mr.  Eliot, 
Mr.  Tay,  Beiiet;  Mr.  Palmer  waited  on  his  father  and 
Mother  Hutchinson. 

By  reason  of  the  severity  of  the  wether,  and  a  great 
Cold,  I  went  not  to  the  catechising  Jan^  18.  nor  to  the 
Lecture  Jan^  20th. 

Jan^  21.  Sixth-day,  Mr.  Willard  comes  to  visit  us ; 
though  He  himself  also  is  very  much  indisposed  by  the 
Cold :  prays  with  us.  Speaks  as  if  had  heard  Capt.  Scot- 
tow  was  dead  :  but  was  not  very  certain.  But  before  he 
went  away,  Jn°  Roberts  came  to  invite  me  to  be  a  Bearer 
to  morrow.  It  seems  Capt.  Scottow  died  the  last  night. 
Thus  the  New  England  Men  drop  away. 

Seventh-day,  Jan?"  22.  169 1.  Capt  Joshua  Scottow  is 
buried  in  the  old  burying  place ;  Bearers,  Maj""  Gen^  Win- 
throp,  Mr.  Cook,  Col.  Hutchinson,  Sewall,  Sergeant,  Wal- 
ley :  Extream  Cold.  No  Minister  at  Capt.  Scottow's 
Funeral;  nor  wife,  nor  daughter. 

Jan^  23,  169|  Very  Cold.  Mr.  Fitch  preacheth  with 
us  and  pronounceth  the  Blessing,  Mr.  Willard  not  being 
there,  by  reason  of  illness :  Text  was.  The  Lord  is  my 
shepherd  &c.  Mr.  Willard  comes  abroad  in  the  After- 
noon, and  preacheth  excellently ;  baptiseth  a  child  and  a 


468  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [169|. 

woman.  Very  thin  Assemblies  this  Sabbath,  and  last ; 
and  great  Coughing :  very  few  women  there.  Mr.  Wil- 
lard  pray'd  for  mitigation  of  the  wether ;  and  the  south 
Wind  begins  to  blow  with  some  vigor.  My  clock  stood 
still  this  morning,  and  yesterday  morn,  which  has  not 
done  many  years. 

Third-day,  Jan7  25.  Rid  to  the  Court  over  Charles 
River  upon  the  Ice,  directly  from  Broughton's  Warehouse 
to  the  Ferry-place.  Had  no  Minister  in  the  Court  or  at 
Diner ;  Mr.  Morton  sick  at  home.  We  sent  a  Plate  to 
him  from  Table,  and  visited  him  in  the  Afternoon. 

Fourth-day,  Jan7  26.  Rid  over  to  Charlestown  on  the 
Ice  which  had  much  Water  on  it  by  the  Thaw,  the  South 
Wind  having  blown  very  hard  all  night :  I  consulted  Mr. 
Gee  before  I  ventured ;  and  in  the  morn,  look'd  out  and 
found  that  the  Ice  between  us  and  the  Castle  was  not 
broken.  Mr.  Danforth  not  there.  Jury  kept  up  all  night 
about  the  Case  between  Anesley  and  Tucker ;  brought  in  a 
special  verdict,  and  the  Court  presently  gave  for  Annesly ; 
I  was  against  it ;  Major  Generall  and  Mr.  Cooke  for  it : 
Major  General  proposed  Advisement  bill  next  term.  I 
aproved  it;  but  Mr.  Cooke  turn'd  his  minde.  Visited 
Mrs.  Shepard,  and  Cousin  Quinsey. 

Jan^  26.  169|     Mrs.  Ruth  Carter  dys. 

Jan^  27.  I  was  sent  for  to  the  house  ;  it  seems  she  hath 
nominated  Mr.  Addington  and  me  as  executors  in  Trust 
with  her  Husband,  on  behalf  of  her  little  Son.  Is  agreed 
the  Funeral  to  be  on  the  7th  day. 

Seventh  day,  Jan^  29.  1697-8  Mrs.  Ruth  Carter  is 
buried ;  Bearers  Sewall,  Addington,  Byfield,  Belchar, 
Legg,  Borland.  Ministers  had  scarvs,  and  Mr.  Chiever, 
Mr.  Oakes,  Physician,  Mr.  Sergeant,  Mr.  Eliakim  Hutch- 
inson, Major  Walley  there.  Got  home  by  four  oclock. 
'Tis  a  very  cold  day.  Joseph  Perce  and  the  widow 
Windsor,  Capt  Scottos  sister,  lye  dead. 

Febr.  2.     I  ride  over  the  Ice  to  Charlestown,  visit  Mr. 


169|.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  469 

Russell,  Mr.  Danforth  and  dine  with  him ;  Go  to  Mr. 
Olivers  for  Betty,  to  George  Bairsto's,  visit  Mr.  Walter 
and  his  wife,  and  go  home  about  6. 

Febr.  3.  I  saw  Water  a  little  below  the  Castle.  I  hope 
the  Ice  will  now  begin  to  remove.  Neither  President  nor 
Mr.  Cotton  Mather  at  Lecture.  Mr.  Willard  preached 
excellently  from  Rev.  2.  11.  He  that  overcometh  shall 
not  be  hurt  of  the  second  Death.  Day  warm  though  blus- 
tering ;  the  sun  very  much  qualifying  the  Aer.  More  at 
Lecture  than  formerly,  and  little  Coughing. 

Febr.  4.  169|.  Mrs.  Lynde  buried;  Bearers  Mr.  Cooke, 
Addington,  Bromfield,  Capt.  Williams,  Capt.  Foxcroft,  Mr. 
Maccarty. 

Febr.  5.  169|  Deacon  Swift  calls  here  and  earnestly 
thanks  me  for  the  Phcenomena  I  gave  him,  hopes  it  will  doe 
good.  This  day  I  prayd  for  it,  for  Betty.  Preparation 
for  the  Lords  Super. 

An  account  of  some  I  have  been  a  Bearer  to, 

March,  29,  1697.     Mrs.  Mary  Danforth,  Ring  and  sc. 
93.     Apr.  2.     Govr.  Bradstreet  at  Salem,  Ring,  Scarf. 

Mr.  Hez.  Usher ;  July  14.  Scarf. 

Capt.  Joshua  Scottow,  Jan^  22.     Scarf. 

Mrs.  Ruth  Carter,  Jan^  29.  Scarf. 

Mr.  Joseph  Webb,  Octob.  11.  1698.     Scarf. 

Capt.  Edw.  Wyllys,  Dec^  13.  1698.     Ring. 
44.     Mrs.  Mary  Townsend  July,  5.  1699.     Scarf. 
75.     July  21.     Mrs.  Mary  Balston,  Scarf. 
77.     Nov^  10.     Thomas  Danforth  Esqr,  Scarf  and  Ring. 
93.     Mrs.  Hannah  Townsend,  Jan^  19  |f§|  Scarf,  Gloves, 
90.     Mrs.  Martha  Collins,  March,  23.  1700.     Ring. 
47.     Mr.  John  Eyre,  June,  19.  1700.     Scarf  and  Ring. 
41.     Mrs.  Eliza  Serg*     Novf.  14.  1700.     sc.  Ring. 
87.     Mr.  Thomas  Broughton,  9f  15'."     Nothing. 

Mrs.  Mary  Lynde,  9r  20*!'     Scarf,  Ring. 
51.     Mrs.  Deborah  Thair,  Jan^  7  i^§^.  Scarf. 
90.     Mr.  Theoder  Atkinson,  Augt  16.  1701.     Scarf. 

Madam  Penelope  Bellingham,  May  1702.     Sc. 

Sept^  4.  1703.     Madam  Emm  Lynde,  Sc.  Ring. 


470  DIARY   OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [169|. 

81.     Febr.  20.     Mr.  Dean  Winthrop,  81.     Scarf,  Gloves. 

53.  April  18.  1704.     Mr.  Nath^  Oliver,  Scarf,  Ring. 

54.  June  29.  1704.     Madam  Anne  Richards,  Sc.  R. 
Madam  A.  P. 

SeptE  21.     Mrs.  Mary  Tuthill,  widow.  Scarf. 
56.     Nov-'  30.     Major  Benjs  Davis.     Scarf,  Gloves. 
74.     January  8,  170f     Madam  Sarah  Leverett,  Scarf,  Ring. 
66.     July,  5*1'  L!  Col.  Tho.  Savage,  Scarf  and  Gloves 
74.     Mrs.  Mary  Lake,  Septr  8.  1705.     Scarf  and  Gloves. 
63.     Madam  Anna  Paige,  July,  2.  1704.     Scarf,  Ring 

Fourth-day,  Febr.  9.  Last  night,  about  nine  of  the 
clock,  Col.  Shrimpton  dyes  of  an  Apoplexy.  Capt.  Ichabod 
Plaisted  told  me  of  it.  He  was  seen  at  his  door  the  last 
Sixth  Day.  I  gave  my  Letters  to  Capt  Plaisted  to  carry 
to  Newbury.  Second-day,  Febr.  14.  169|  Col.  Sam! 
Shrimpton  was  buried  with  Arms ;  Ten  Companies,  8, 
Muddy  River  and  Sconce  :  ^  No  Horse  nor  Trumpet :  but 
a  Horse  led  —  Mr.  Dyers,  the  ColoneFs,  would  not  endure 
the  cloathing  :  Mourning  Coach  also  and  Horses  in  Mourn- 
ing :  Scutcheon  on  their  sides  and  Deaths  heads  on  their 
foreheads :  Coach  stood  by  the  way  here  and  there  and 
mov'd  solitarily.  Bearers  Maj''  Gen^  Winthrop,  Mr.  Cook, 
L*  Col.  Hutchinson,  Mr.  Addington,  Capt.  Foster,  Maj' 
Walley.    Mr.  E""  Hutchinson  and  Mr.  Allen  led  the  widow, 


1  By  these  ten  companies  we  are  to  understand  the  eight  Boston  compa- 
nies, —  one  from  Muddy  River,  and  one  from  the  Sconce.  The  latter  name  is 
a  generic  one  for  "  a  block-house  or  fortress,"  but  here  means,  undoubtedly, 
"  Boston  Sconce,"  or  the  Fort  at  Fort  Hill.  Snow  (Hist,  of  Boston,  p.  155) 
quotes  passages  in  regard  to  the  "  well-contrived  fort  called  Boston  Sconce." 
It  was  erected  about  1666,  by  John  Leverett,  and  was  augmented  by  Andros, 
as  this  Journal  mentions.  Here  Andi'os  was  imprisoned.  The  fort  is  repre- 
sented in  an  engraving  of  about  the  date  of  A.  D.  1740,  copied  in  Mass. 
Hist.  Soc.  Proceedings  for  1877. 

It  was  allowed  to  fall  into  disuse  before  the  Revolution,  but  was  then  re- 
built, as  it  appears  on  Page's  map  of  1775.  It  is  wanting  on  all  later  maps 
of  the  town. 

The  north  battery,  at  Merry's  Point,  is  known  by  an  engraving  by  Re* 
vere,  also  republished  in  the  above-cited  volume  of  our  Society's  Proceed 
ings.  —  Eds. 


169|.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  471 

Capt.  Clark  fired  twelve  great  guns  at  the  Sconce,  began 
as  march'd  to  the  New-burying  place  where  the  Corps  was 
set  int  [sic]  to  the  two  wives.  Very  fair  and  large  Paths 
were  shovel'd  by  great  pains  and  cost,  three  in  the  Bury- 
ing place,  one  direct  to  the  Tomb,  the  other  compassing 
by  the  sides  in  which  the  souldiers  stood  Drawn  up.  W"" 
Scovel  being  w^ell  and  having  on  his  new  Coat,  I  fitted 
hhn  with  my  Musket,  Rapier,  mourning,  Amunition,  and  he 
serv'd  in  the  South-Company. 

Febr.  15.  Remarkable  Sun-dogs  and  a  Rainbow  w^ere 
seen.  Febr.  16.  Mr.  Chr.  Tapan  comes  hether.  Sam. 
reads  the  2^  Habakkuk  out  of  course  at  evening  prayer; 
next  morn  reads  the  90*.^  Psalm  in  course.  Secret  sins  in 
the  light  of  thy  countenance,  pained  me.  Feb.  19.  I  go 
over  the  Ice  and  visit  Mr.  Morton,  who  keeps  his  bed. 

Febyr.  21.  I  rid  over  to  Charlestown  on  the  Ice,  then 
over  to  Stbweri's,  go  to  Mr.  Wigglesworth  :  The  snow  was 
so  deep  that  I  had  a  hard  Journey,  could  go  but  a  foot 
pace  upon  Mystick  River,  the  snow  was  so  deep.  Mr. 
Wigglesworth  preach'd  Jan^  23.  from  those  words.  Who 
can  stand  before  his  Cold  ?  Then  by  reason  of  his  own 
and  peoples  sickness,  Three  Sabbaths  pass'd  wdthout  pub- 
lick  worship.  Feb.  20.  a  very  cold  day.  He  preached 
from  those  words;  He  sends  forth  his  word  and  thaws 
them ;  which  began  21  and  especially  22,  and  has  thaw'd 
much  and  yet  moderately. 

Febr.  24.  9|.  Febr.  22.  at  break  of  day,  Andover  is 
surprised.  L*  Col.  Bradstreet's  house  rifled,  his  kinsman 
Wade  slain :  Capt.  Chubb  and  his  wife  slain  and  three 
more.  Some  Houses  and  Barns  burnt,  and  in  one  a  con- 
siderable quantity  of  corn,  and  tw^enty  head  of  Cattel. 
Pulpit  cushion  taken  away,  fired,  but  quenched. 

Febr.  24.  I  would  fain  have  had  the  condition  of  Gods 
people  put  into  the  order  for  the  Fast,  in  some  such  ex- 
pression ;  As  we  hope  to  rejoice  with  them,  so  we  desire 
to  sympathise  with  the  Brethren  of  our  Lord  Jesus  in 


472  DIAKY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [169f. 

France,  Germany,  Greece  and  other  parts  of  the  world 
under  the  Opressions.  But  could  by  no  means  prevail ; 
and  the  general  Clause  was  hardly  got  in  ;  the  order  being 
drawn  up  without  it. 

Febr.  26.  I  ride  to  George  Bairsto  and  the  widow 
Gates :  Thej^  complain  their  sheep,  having  been  so  long 
kept  from  the  ground,  are  sick,  some  dye.  Others  will 
not  own  their  Lambs. 

Febr.  26.  A  considerable  quantity  of  Ice  went  away 
last  night :  so  that  now  there  is  a  glade  of  Avater  along  by 
Governor's  Island  about  as  far  as  Bird  Island.  Easterly 
wind  all  this  day. 

Febr.  28.  A  guard  is  set  upon  Charles  River  to  pre- 
vent persons  venturing  over  on  the  Ice  for  fear  of  drown- 
ing ;  and  the  Ferrymen  are  put  upon  cutting  and  cleaving 
the  Ice,  which  they  do  so  hapily,  that  I  think  the  Boat 
passeth  once  this  day.  March  the  first,  I  walk  on  pur- 
pose, and  see  the  wharf  at  Henchmans  clear,  and  the 
Ferry-boat  passing  very  comfortably. 

Second-day,  March  7.  Set  out  for  Plimouth  about  10. 
mane.  Get  to  Barkers  and  lodge  there.  Maj'"  General 
set  out  about  Noon  and  came  to  us  at  Barkers  in  the 
night. 

March,  8.  Get  to  Plimouth  about  Noon,  Are  enter- 
tain'd  at  Cole's.  Send  two  mile  for  Mr.  Little,  who  prays 
at  the  opening  of  the  Court :  invite  him  to  Diner :  Speak 
not  to  Mr,  Cotton.  I  lodge  at  Cole's,  the  house  was  built 
by  Gov"  Winslow  and  is  the  oldest  in  Plimouth.  March, 
9.  Word  is  brought  us  that  our  Horses  are  broke  out  of 
themselves,  or  else  are  taken  out  of  the  stable ;  viz.  four, 
Maj''  Generals,  Mr.  Cooks,  mine,  and  Mingo's  Sent  pres- 
ently to  their  flat-house,  but  hear  nothing  of  them.  Court 
rises.  Capt.  Byfield  goes  home.  Mr.  Cook  and  I  lingei 
hoping  to  hear  of  our  horses  and  trying  to  get  more 
Fifth-day,  March,  10.  I  walk  out  in  the  morn,  to  see  the 
Mill,  then  turn  up  to  the  Graves,  come  down  by  the  Meet' 


169|.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  473 

inghouse,  and  seeing  the  door  partly  open,  went  in  and 
found  a  very  convenient  Oportunity  to  pray,  the  wind 
being  cold ;  for  my  self  and  family,  for  Plimouth,  Bp 
Stoke,  the  Province,  &c.  Maj""  General,  Mr.  Sherriff e,  Mr. 
Ward,  Master  of  a  Connecticut  Sloop,  and  I  Dine  together 
at  Coles.  I  pay  for  Ward  because  invited  him,  and  Maj"" 
General  for  the  Sheriff e.  Had  large  discourse  in  the  even 
with  Mrs.  Cotton,  Mr.  Cotton,  Mr.  Rowland.  I  told  Mr. 
Cotton,  a  free  confession  was  the  best  way ;  spake  of 
Davids  roaring  all  the  day  long  and  bones  waxing  old 
whilest  he  kept  silence.  I  spake  with  Deacon  Fance  to- 
day, sent  for  him  to  Mr.  Cotton's :  It  seems  upon  the  5th 
of  October,  The  Church,  by  speaking  one  by  one,  declared 
their  Mind  was  to  Release  Mr.  Cotton  from  his  office-bond 
as  Pastor;  sent  to  Mr.  Cotton  to  meet  them  (they  were  at 
Shirtly's,  25  in  number,  some  that  could  not  come  sent 
their  minds  to  the  same  effect :  and  New  Society  ready  to 
do  it).  Mr.  Cotton  to  come  to  the  Meeting-house,  thither 
they  goe,  and  there  Deacon  Fance  declares  what  the 
church  had  done.  Mr.  Cotton  was  at  Cole's :  when  ready 
to  come  away  March,  11.  I  said  his  danger  was  lest  catch- 
ing at  shadows,  he  should  neglect  the  cords  thrown  out  to 
him  by  Christ  and  so  be  drown'd.  Some  of  my  last  words 
to  him  was,  Kisse  the  Son,  lest  he  be  angry  !  This  was  in 
the  house  between  him  and  me  alone.  Just  as  was  mount- 
ing. He  desired  me  to  pray  for  him  till  I  heard  he  was 
dead. 

As  came  along,  went  a  little  out  of  our  way  and  came 
to  Duxbury  houses;  so  then  resolv'd  to  visit  Mr.  Wiswall, 
who  had  been  long  sick  of  the  Gout,  and  was  very  glad 
to  see  us.  Gave  us  a  very  good  Goose  to  Diner.  It  rained, 
and  got  but  to  Barkers  that  night.  My  horse  flounder'd 
in  a  bank  of  Snow,  and  threw  me  off ;  but  had  no  hurt. 
Laus  Deo.  Dine  at  Cushings,  Get. home  a  little  before 
Sunset  and  find  all  well,  blessed  be  God. 

Second-day,  March  14.  169|     Aniversary  Town-Meet- 


474  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [169|. 

ing,  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  prays  excellently :  I  being  pres- 
ent, am  chosen  Moderator ;  ^  Voted  that  would  have  but 
seven  Select  men ;  which  are  Samson  Stoddard  122,  Mr. 
Walker,  Capt.  Bozoon  Allen,  capt.  Thof  Hunt,  Mr.  Isaiah 
Tay,  Mr.  Obadiah  Gill,  Mr.  Jn^  Marion  junf ;  Jn^  Maryon 
sen""  and  Mr.  Barns  left  out. 

Voted  that  in  chusing  Jury  men  should  chuse  those 
present  as  well  as  absent.  Voted  a  comittee  to  consider 
what  might  be  beneficial  for  the  Town  to  set  Poor  to  work, 
&c.  Concluded  with  Prayer.  A  candle  was  lighted  be- 
fore we  had  done.  Select-men  invited  me  to  sup  with 
them  at  the  stone-house ;  Thither  word  was  brought  of 
our  Horses  being  found  and  brought  to  Town. 

Third-day  March  15.  Foggy  day,  at  night  between 
eight  and  9  aclock  it  Thundered  and  lighten'd  several 
times  and  rain'd  very  hard.  As  went  into  Town  about  11 
aclock,  Met  Mr.  Hungerford  and  Cooper  on  Horseback, 
who  told  me  the  Governour  was  at  Barbados  in  Jan^  last. 
This  day  capt  Frary  tells  me  he  is  going  to  deal  with  his 
Bro""  Perry ,^  who  call'd  him  all  to  naught  this  day  7  night ; 


1  The  following  extracts  show  the  town-offices  held  by  Sewall  at  this 
period :  — 

"  May  11th,  1697."  (Town  Records  vol.  2)  at  a  public  town  meeting,  "  a 
Committee  was  chosen  to  give  instruction  unto  the  Selectmen,  namely  Elisha 
Cook,  Esq,  Sam"  Sewell  Esq"",  and  Major  Penn  Townsend,  and  said  in- 
struction to  be  presented  to  the  Town,  to  be  heard  at  the  next  Town  Meet- 
ing, for  their  Approbation." 

"  March  14th,  1698.     Moderator  for  the  day,  Samuel  Sewell,  Esqr. 

"  April  8,  1700.  Samuel  Sewall  was  put  on  a  committee  to  audit  the 
Town's  accounts. 

"  March  9,  1701-2.     He  was  chosen  one  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor. 

"  June  3,  1702.     He  was  chosen  Moderator  of  the  present  meeting. 

"  March  1702-3.    He  was  chosen  one  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor. "  —  Eds. 

2  We  apprehend  that  this  term  ' '  brother ' '  here  means  more  than  church- 
lelationship.  As  we  have  pointed  out  in  our  note  on  p.  425,  Frary  married 
the  sister  of  Captain  Jacob  Eliot,  and  on  p.  52  we  showed  that  Eliot's  wife 
was  a  Powell,  sister  or  half-sister  of  Perry's  wife.  Thus  Perry  was  brother- 
in-law  of  Mrs.  Eliot,  and  Frary  brother-in-law  of  her  husband.  This  rela- 
tionship in  other  instances  we  find  to  warrant  the  term  "  brother." 

In  this  relationship  of  Perry  to  the  Eliots,  we  may  find  a  confirmation  of 


1698.]  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  475 

as  Rogue,  piti-f  ull  Rascal,  &c.  Took  occasion  to  say  that 
my  Letter  put  him  into  such  a  condition  almost  as  the 
poor  creatures  were  in  at  Salem,  that  he  read  a  little  of  it, 
and  threw  it  in  the  fire  and  burnt  it.  I  met  him  near  the 
door,  as  he  was  going  into  Town,  or  else  I  think  he  had 
not  come  in. 

Fourth-day,  March  16.  16 9 1.  I  sent  to  the  college 
Library  my  Phcenomena,  well  bound  in  calvs  Leather,  with 
Mr.  Oakes's  election  sermon,  and  Mr.  Willard's  Tract  about 
Swearing ;  by  Josiah  Cotton. 

March,  23.  169|  Rode  to  Braintry  with  cous.  Ephraim 
Savage,  to  a  Fast  kept  there.  Mr.  Fisk  pray'd  and 
preach' d  in  the  Forenoon  and  Mr.  Torrey,  in  the  After- 
noon. Lodg'd  there  with  Mr.  Torrey.  March,  24.  came 
home  by  5.  p.m.  Rain'd  in  the  forenoon  and  most  part 
of  the  day.  April,  2.  1698.  Went  to  Hog-Island  with 
Mr.  John  White  in  his  Birch  Canoe :  I  see  how  the  sheep 
are  dead,  it  seems  ten  since  last  Thorsday,  3  drown'd,  and 
more  so  sop'd  in  the  water,  that  they  dyed.  Lost  his 
horse  this  day  senight.  I  perceive  his  son  Joseph  Belchar 
married  Jonathan  Bills'  Daughter  last  January;  which 
knew  not  of  till  now ;  then  I  cheapened  a  Duck,  and  they 
told  me  his  wife  knew  the  price.  Their  Net  Cattel  have 
stood  well,  not  one  dead.  Mr.  White  kill'd  an  Eagle  fly- 
ing, and  a  sheldrake.  No  News  of  the  Governour  from 
N.  York  by  the  Post:  Speak  of  sixty  persons  dead  at 
Fairfield. 

Thorsday  Apr.  7th.  1698.  I  acquainted  Mr.  Brenton 
that  I  had  sold  my  600.  Acre  Lot  at  Narraganset,  as  supos- 
ing  he  had  no  mind  to  hire  it,  but  was  cold  in  the  matter, 
going  away  to  Rode-Island  and  not  perfecting  the  Lease, 
nor  offering  me  any  to  sign,  nor  desiring  me  to  stay  till 
he  should  come  back,  that  I  remember.     Bro""  St.  Sewall 


our  expressed  supposition,  that  Eliot  sold  land  to  Perry  and  gave  possession 
without  a  deed  recorded.  —  Eds. 


476  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1698 

visits  US  this  day ;  lodges  here  Thorsday  night  and  Friday 
night. 

Sixth-day,  April  8.  I  visited  Mr.  Morton.  I  was  told 
he  was  asleep,  but  went  in,  and  w^hen  I  drew  nigh  his 
Beds  side,  he  earnestly  streach'd  out  his  flaming  hand  to 
me,  and  strove  to  speak,  but  could  not.  I  think  the  first 
I  heard  him  say  was.  Sir,  I  asked  him  how  he  did  in  such 
long  illness  He  at  first  said,  That  which  cant  he  curd 
must  be  endurd.  But  seem'd  presently  after  to  correct 
himself  and  say,  I  desire  patiently  to  submit  to  the  hand 
of  God.  A  while  after  I  said,  you  caiiot  speak  to  me, 
but  you  can  speak  to  God,  which  is  a  thousand  times  bet- 
ter ;  I  pray  that  God  would  help  you  to  speak  to  him,  and 
that  he  would  graciously  hear  you  when  you  doe  speak. 
He  seem'd  to  ly  still  in  a  listening  posture,  and  made  a 
little  pause,  and  said,  Excellent  things  !  If  I  coidd  receive 
them  and  live  up  to  them  !  Before  this  He  said  something 
about  his  man  Tiler,  that  he  heard  he  was  become  a  new 
man.  When  I  took  leave.  He  said,  /  wish  you  well  and 
all  your  family.  I  told  him  I  doubted  not  but  that  I 
should  fare  the  better  for  his  Blessing.  Second-day,  Apr. 
11.  Mr.  Willard  and  I  having  apointed  it  before,  went  to 
see  Mr.  Morton.  He  was  in  his  Agonies,  but  Mr.  Willard 
pray'd  with  him,  and  he  seemed  to  be  sensible  by  the 
motion  of  his  eye.  He  died  between  two  and  three  of 
the  clock.  Fowl,  that  us'd  to  tend  him,  clos'd  his  eyes ; 
and  Mr.  Willard  spake  to  them  to  close  his  under  Jaw, 
which  they  did.  Deacons  desired  us  to  go  and  see  Mr. 
Bradstreet,  which  we  did :  but  he  was  not  at  home,  was 
gon  to  Cambridge. 

Third-day,  Apr.  12.  1698.  By  a  sloop  from  thence  we 
hear  that  the  Governour  [Lord  Bellomont]  arrived  at 
Sandy-hook  Apr.  1.  and  was  receiv'd  magnificently  at 
New-york  Ap.  2.  Capt.  N.  Williams  told  me  first  of  it  in 
the  Meeting-house,  after  Catechising. 


1698.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  477 

Apr.  13.  Capt.  Frary  and  Brof  Perry  desire  Mr.  Ser- 
geant and  me  to  issue  their  difference. 

Apr.  14:  Go  to  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Morton.  President, 
Mr.  Allen,  Willard,  Brattle,  Bradstreet,  Wadsworth  Bear- 
ers. L*  Governour  and  about  12  of  the  Council  there. 
Had  Gloves,  and  so  had  the  Ministers.  Scholars  went 
before  the  Herse.  It  seems  on  Monday  morn  a  Lad  was 
kill'd  by  a  hogshead  of  sugar  falling  on  him  as  it  was 
hoisting  into  a  Boat  in  which  the  boy  stood.  Ap.  14. 
Mr.  Wadsworth' s  Text  was  from  James,  4.  14.  One  use 
was  of  Comfort  against  Persecution  :  insisted  pretty  much 
on  it,  that  the  life  of  persecutors  was  as  a  vapor.  When 
came  from  the  funeral,  went  to  the  Town-house,  and  there 
the  U  Governour  deliver' d  Maj''  Gen^  Winthrop,  &c,  their 
Comission  for  going  to  N-York 

Apr.  15.  Post  comes  to  Town.  Apr.  16.  His  Excel- 
lencies Letter  to  the  L*  Governour  and  council  is  read, 
dated  Ap.  4.  N.  York.  Thanks  for  Praying  for  Him, 
which  saw  by  the  order  for  the  'Fast ;  doubts  not  but 
far'd  the  better.  Shall  write  more  by  the  next,  was  now 
in  pain  by  the  Gout.  Agreed  upon  One  hundred  £  here, 
and  another  at  N.  York  for  the  Ao-ents.  As  were  lookinor 
on  the  seals,  and  guessing  at  the  birds,  swans.  Ducks  —  I 
guess'd  Coots,^  which  consented  to.    And  I  made  a  shift  to 


1  This,  of  course,  refers  to  the  seal  of  Richard  Coote,  Earl  of  Bellomont 
and  Baron  of  CoUoony,  in  the  peerage  of  Ireland.  His  own  arms  were  ar- 
gent, a  chevron  sable  between  three  coots  proper;  crest,  a  coot,  as  in  the 
arms;  supporters,  two  wolves  ermines;  motto,  Vincit  Veritas.  An  engrav- 
ing of  his  seal  is  given  in  the  Heraldic  Journal,  i.  166,  and  another  in  the 
Historical  Magazine,  ix.  176.  It  is,  in  each  case,  a  shield  of  eight  quarter- 
ings,  with  an  escutcheon  of  pretence  of  four  quarterings,  being  the  arms  of 
his  wife,  Catherine  Nanfan.  The  earldom  became  extinct  in  1766,  and 
though  revived  in  1770,  the  second  creation  also  expired  soon.  The  last 
earl  left  an  illegitimate  son,  ancestor  of  the  Cootes,  baronets.  The  uncle  of 
the  first  Earl  of  Bellomont  w^as  created  Earl  of  Montrath  in  1660.  This 
title  ceased  in  1800^  but  the  baronetcy  in  this  branch  was  inherited  by  a 
junior  branch  now  represented  by  Sir  Charles  Henry  Coote,  of  Ballyfin,  pre- 
mier baronet  of  Ireland.  —  Eds. 


478  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1698. 

read  the  Motto,  Yincit  Veritas,  which  was  consented  to ; 
though  given  over  before,  as  not  legible. 

Mr.  Sergeant  is  prevail'd  with,  that  his  Excellency  be 
rec'd  at  his  house.  A  hundred  pounds  are  ordered  tow- 
ards the  expense.^ 

Ap.  15.  1  got  some  Trees  at  Roxbury  and  Muddy 
River  and  brought  them  home  in  Bristos  cart.  White- 
Oak  got  out  of  Palsgrave  Alcock's  Lot ;  he  was  there  and 
gave  leave  :  set  it  when  came  home  in  the  Pasture  in  the 
Comon,  and  the  Poplar  to  the  street  and  the  Platan  at 
the  upper  corner  next  to  Charlestown.  Ap.  16.  Set 
the  rest. 

Ap.  18.  Chose  Mr.  Noyes  to  preach  the  Election  ser- 
mon. 

Ap.  19.     Mr.  Danforth  and  I  sign'd  a  Writt  for  ad- 
journing the  Superior  Court  to  the  14th  of  June. 

Apr.  19.  Accompanied  the  Gentlemen  in  the  way 
towards  [New]  York  as  far  as  Lions ;  then  Mr.  Secretary, 
Leverett  and  I  came  back :  Others  went  as  far  as  Dedham. 
Mr.  Rogers  of  Ipswich  and  major  Wainwright  is  with  them. 

May,  4.  Sign'd  a  writt  for  adjourning  Ipswich  Court 
to  June  21. 

May,  5.     Mr.  Brinsmead  lodges  here. 

May,  6.  Speaking  of  the  uncertainty  of  the  conversion 
of  Adam  and  Eve,  I  shew'd  him  Dr.  Goodwin  and  Owen's 
Notions.  He  told  me  of  a  converted  Turk,  and  of  strange 
Visions  at  Meccha,  in  the  year  1620,  to  be  seen  in  Clark's 
Examples.  It  being  the  same  year  with  Plimouth  it 
affected  me.  Gave  him  the  Fr.  King's  adnulling  of  the 
Edicts  made  in  favour  of  the  Protestants. 

May,  9.  1698.  Town-Meeting  for  choice  of  Assembly- 
men warn'd  by  printed  Tickets :  Number  present  340. 
chosen 

1  The  house  was  afterwards  purchased  by  the  Province  as  a  residence  for 
the  Governor,  and  was  known  as  the  "  Province  House."  —  Eds. 


1698.]  DIARY   OF  SAMUEL   SEWALL.  479 

Mr.  John  Eyre  218. 

Capt  Sain^  Legg  200. 

Capt.  Nath^  Byfield  196. 

Maj''  Pen  Townsend  172. 


Next 

Foxcroft 

156. 

Thornton 

124. 

Bromfield 

119. 

Frary 

113 

Joseph  Koyal  chosen  Con- 
stable in  Capt.  Goff's  room, 
who  fin'd. 


May,  10.     Mr.  John  Brown   has   home  his  Bride  to 

Salem,  Mrs.  Sarah  Burroughs.     Very  cold  blustering  day 

after  the  pleasant  warm  Rain  yesterday,  and  Rainbow  near 

night,  south  E  and  by  East.     Fourth-day,  May,  11*.^     As 

I  lay  in  my  bed  in  the  morn,  this  verse  came  into  my 

mind. 

To  Horses,  Swine,  Net-Cattell,  Sheep  and  Deer, 
Ninety  and  Seven  prov'd  a  Mortal  yeer. 

May,  11.  1698.  I,  my  wife,  Hannah,  Elisabeth  Joseph, 
Mary  rode  in  the  coach  to  Muddy-River,  and  in  the  new 
Room  with  the  widow  Gates  and  her  daughter  Sparhawk, 
sung  the  114*?  Psalm.  Simon  catch'd  us  a  Bass.  Call'd 
at  Bairsto's  as  came  back.  When  came  home  met  with 
news  of  a  ship  from  England,  8  weeks  Passage. 

Sam  chose  to  goe  to  Cambridge  with  Josiah  Willard. 
Lords  day  May,  15*!"  1698.  Very  dark  day,  plentifull  Rain 
and  some  Thunder.  May,  16,  1698.  Capt.  Nicholas 
Down  comes  from  Topsham.  April,  14.  brings  news  of 
the  probability  that  the  King  of  Spain  is  dead.  Updike 
arrived  a  little  before  at  Marblehead,  and  brings  the  news 
of  the  Joseph  Gaily  being  cast  away  on  the  coast  of  Ire- 
land and  all  the  persons  in  her  lost.  Madam  Bellingham 
one  :  Sail'd  from  hence  the  8th  of  November.  58  drowned 
in  the  Tilt  boat,  Febr  3.  1.  p.m.,  and  near  30  out  of  two 
Wherries. 


480  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1698. 

In  the  beginning  of  this  Moneth  of  May,  the  old  Brick 
Colledge,  comonly  called  the  Indian  Colledge,  is  pull'd 
down  to  the  ground,  being  sold  to  Mr.  Willis  the  builder 
of  Mr.  Stoughtons  colledge.^  May  25.  Mr.  Secretary, 
Major  Walley  and  I  went  to  meet  the  Governour,  who  rid 
to  Town  in  his  Coach.     Mr.  Noyes  preaches. 

For  the  Election,  see  the  List. 

Mr.  Tapan  lodges  here  with  Sam. 

May,  31.  Jn""  Alden  comes  from  Holland,  last  from 
Cows;  viz.  Apr.  18*^:  brings  w^ord  that  John  Foy  arriv'd 
in  the  Downs  Apr.  9*.^  Are  Letters  from  Mr.  Ive  giving 
an  account  of  the  Receipt  of  Letters  by  Foy.  Ships  are 
fitting  out.  Bro''  Steph.  Sewall  comes  to  Town,  May  31. 
1698.  Second-day,  May  30.  98.  Inhabitants  meet  to 
chuse  a  Representative  in  Maj''  Townsends  room.  Voters 
318.  And  votes,  Belchar  175.  Fr.  Foxcroft  138.  Brom- 
field  3.  Frary  1.  Thornton  1.  I  have  not  taken  notice 
of  such  a  close  adherence  to  each  side  before. 

June,  10.  1698.  Mr.  James  Allin  comes  into  the  Council 
Chamber,  and  presents  an  Address  from  the  Fellows  of 
Harvard  Colledge  sign'd  by  himself  as  senior  Fellow,  which 
was  to  ask  concurrence  and  Assistance  in  sending  the 
President  to  England,  to  solicit  for  a  Charter,  as  suposing 
the  Law  sent  will  not  be  aprov'd  in  England,  because  the 
Council  was  join'd  with  the  Gov""  in  the  Visitation.  And 
Mr.  White,  who  was  sent  to  N.  York  by  the  college,  being 
returned,  the  Governour's  Letter  was  read  manifesting  an 
utter  improbability  of  passing  the  Law  as  it  was,  because 
the  Lords  had  directed  the  Governours  being  Visitor  alone. 


1  "  An  Indian  college  was  erected,  chiefly  by  funds  furnished  by  the 
Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  among  the  Indians.  ...  A  single  indi- 
vidual, '  Caleb  Cheeshahteaumuck,  Indus,^  stands  alone  on  the  catalogue  of 
the  graduates  of  Harvard  College, — the  only  representative  of  the  native 
tribes."  Quincy,  Hist.  Several  other  young  Indians  were  members  of  the 
College,  for  longer  or  shorter  periods,  and  the  most  promising  of  them  all 
was  killed  by  some  pagan  Indians,  while  on  a  visit  to  his  home,  on  the  eve 
of  his  graduation.  —  Eds. 


1698.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  481 

Address  was  read  and  sent  down.  Representatives  sent  it 
up  again,  desiring  the  council  to  act  on  it  first.  When 
twas  read  with  us  I  asked  whoes  the  Colledge  was ;  be- 
cause twas  said  Our  Colledge  — 

Sixth-day,  June  12.  1698.  4  p.m.  Mrs.  Elizabetli 
Jeffries  dieth,  and  the  shop  of  her  Father,  Mr.  John 
Usher,  is  shut  up  upon  it.  It  is  affecting  that  an  only 
child  should  be  snatched  away  so  soon.  Has  left  8 
children. 

Tuesday,  June,  28.  1698.  Court  at  Salem,  Major  Brown 
praesident ;  were  remov'd  to  the  Ship  Tavern  and  candles 
lighted ;  a  cry  of  Fire  was  made.  A  Girl  drawing  Rum 
in  a  little  Warehouse  of  Mr.  Lyndon's,  or  looking  after  a  cask 
that  leak'd,  the  candle  fired  it,  which  took  the  cask  and 
broke  it  up  with  a  Report,  so  catch'd  Cotton  and  fired  Mr. 
Willoughbys  house  in  the  Garret  of  which  was  a  Barrel 
of  Powder,  that  taking  fire  blew  off  the  Roof  and  very 
much  dispersed  the  flaming  partickles ;  much  of  which  w^as 
thrown  on  Major  Brown's  house  over  the  way,  the  wind 
carrying  it  thither  so  that  and  his  warehouse  were  quickly 
burnt  down,  and  much  Money  and  Goods  lost  with  the 
Buildings.  Five  houses  in  all  burnt,  Mr.  Hirst's  for  one. 
This  is  the  first  considerable  Fire  that  ever  w^as  in  Salem. 
It  seems  the  stroke  makes  a  deep  impression  on  Maj"" 
Brown.     Has  lost  3  or  four  Thousand  pounds. 

Coinencement  day,  and  next,  Mr  Tapan  was  here. 

July,  13.  1698.  divided  the  Haugh's  Tenement.  When 
came  home  rec'd  Sir  Henry  Ashhurst's  Letter,  wherein  He 
thanks  me  for  my  kind  Present  of  the  Phcenomena  sent 
him.  This  is  the  first  notice  I  have  had  of  their  beino-  in 
England.  This  day  Roger  Judd  tells  me  that  Col.  Lidget 
is  dead. 

July,  15.  1698.  Mr.  Edward  Taylor  comes  to  our 
house  from  Westfield.  Monday  July  18.  I  walk'd  with 
Mr.  Edward  Taylor  upon  Cotton  Hill,  thence  to  Becon 
Hill,  the  Pasture,  along  the  Stone-wall :     As  came  back, 

31 


I 


482  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1698. 

we  sat  down  on  the  great  Kock/  and  Mr.  Taylor  told  me 
his  courting  his  first  wife,  and  Mr.  Fitch  his  story  of  Mr. 
Dod's  prayer  to  God  to  bring  his  Affection  to  close  with 
a  person  pious,  but  hard-favoured.  Has  God  answered 
me  in  finding  out  one  Godly  and  fit  for  me,  and  shall  I 
part  for  fancy  ?  When  came  home,  my  w^ife  gave  me 
Mr.  Tapan's  Letter  concerning  Eliza,  which  cans' d  me  to 
reflect  on  Mr.  Taylor's  Discourse.  And  his  Prayer  was 
for  pardon  of  error  in  our  ways  —  which  made  me  think 
whether  it  were  not  best  to  overlook  all,  and  go  on. 
This  day  John  Ive,  fishing  in  great  Spie-pond,  is  arrested 
with  mortal  sickness  which  renders  him  in  a  maner  speech- 
less and  senseless ;  dies  next  day ;  buried  at  Charlestown 
on  the  Wednesday.  Was  a  very  debauched,  atheistical 
man.  I  was  not  at  his  Funeral.  Had  Gloves  sent  me, 
but  the  knowledge  of  his  notoriously  wicked  life  made  me 
sick  of  going ;  and  Mr.  Mather,  the  president,  came  in 
just  as  I  was  ready  to  step  out,  and  so  I  staid  at  home, 
and  by  that  means  lost  a  Ring :  but  hope  had  no  loss. 
Follow  thou  Me,  was  I  supose  more  complied  with,  than 
if  had  left  Mr.  Mather's  company  to  go  to  such  a  Fun- 
eral. 

July,  26.  By  reason  of  the  fowlness  of  the  wether  Mr. 
Cook  and  I  rid  in  the  Coach  to  Cambridge.  Maj''  Gen- 
erall,  Cook  and  I  rid  together  in  it  to  Charlestown,  and 
laid  it  there. 

Augt  12.  Tis  told  all  about  the  Town  that  Major  Gen- 
erall  ^  courts  Mary  Howard. 

Augt.  15,  Second-day,  Set  out  for  Springfield,  lodg  at 
Marlborow.     Augt.  16.     To  Quaboag,  with  a  guard  of  20 


1  We  may,  not  unreasonably,  assume  this  to  be  the  Wishing  Stone  de- 
scribed by  Shurtleff  (p.  350).  It  was  on  the  Beacon  Street  Mall,  near  the 
gingko  tree,  at  the  junction  of  the  paths  opposite  Joy  Street.  — Eds. 

2  The  major-general  was  AVait  Still  Winthrop,  then  a  widower.  He  was 
not  married  a  second  time,  however,  until  1707,  when  he  espoused  Catherine 
Brattle,  widow  of  John  Eyre.  — Eds. 


1698.]  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  483 

Men  under  Cornet  Brown.  Between  Worcester  and 
Qiiaboag  we  were  greatly  wet  with  Rain;  wet  to  the 
skin.  Got  thither  before  twas  dark.  A  Guard  of  20 
from  Springfield  met  us  there,  and  saluted  us  with  their 
trumpets  as  we  alighted.  Augt.  17.  very  fair  day  in  which 
we  went  to  Springfield.  Augt.  18.  Open'd  the  Court, 
present  Winthrop,  Cooke,  Sewall.  Gave  a  Bill  to  the 
Grand-Jury,  Mr.  John  Holyoke,  Foreman.  They  found 
the  Bill.  Inpanel'd  a  Jury  of  Trial;  upon  her  [?]  Ar- 
raignment, she  having  at  last  pleaded  Not  guilty,  Ad- 
journ'd  to  the  morning,  when  court  Open'd,  Mr.  Taylor  of 
Westfield  prayed.  Augt.  19.  Jury,  Mr.  Parsons  fore- 
man, brought  in  Sarah  Smith  Guilty  of  murdering  her 
Bastard  daughter.  Adjourn'd  till  Noon.  Court  met  and 
the  Maj'"  Generall  pronounced  the  sentence.  She  had  been 
kept  at  Derefield  about  a  Moneth's  time,  by  reason  of  the 
extremity  of  the  Winter,  was  brought  down  to  Spring- 
field Jail  Febr.  18. 

Augt.  20.  Went  to  the  Long  Meadow  to  bring  the 
Maj'^  Generall  going  towards  Hartford.  Meet  with  Jn" 
Noble,  with  him  went  to  Westfield  and  kept  Sabbath  with 
Mr.  Tailor,  Augt.  21. 

Augt  22.  Return'd  to  Springfield ;  Mr.  Tailor  with  me. 
Rain'd  hard  in  the  Afternoon  and  night,  and  part  of 
the  morn.  Augt.  23.  By  which  means  were  not  able 
to  reach  Quaboag ;  and  twas  thought  could  not  pass 
the  Rivers.  So  went  to  Northampton,  a  very  Paradise. 
Lodg'd  at  the  ordinary,  getting  to  town  in  the  night. 
Augt.  24.  very  fair  day,  Mr.  Cook  and  I  went  with  Mr. 
Stoddard  and  heard  Mr.  I.  Chauncy  preach  his  first  Lec- 
ture at  Hadley.  Made  a  very  good  sermon.  Invited  us 
to  diner.  Went  over  to  Hatfield.  Mr.  Cook  being  im- 
portun'd  to  see  Benj  Wait's  wife ;  it  was  late  and  lodg'd 
all  night  with  Mr.  Williams. 

Augt.  25.  Went  early  in  the  morn  to  Hadly,  and  from 
thence  with  a  Guard  of  ten  men  to  Quabaog.     Augt.  26. 


484  DIARY   OF   SAI^nJEL   SEWALL.  [1698 

to  Marlboro w.  Augt.  27.  Home,  not  wetting  our  foot ; 
though  the  height  of  the  Rivers  was  so  much  feared. 
Found  all  well  at  home  through  the  abundant  goodness  of 
God,  to  whom  be  the  Praise.  Upon  the  Neck  the  Lieut. 
Governour  met  us  in  his  New  Coach  and  read  us  out  of 
the  Governour's  Letter  the  News  that  New-Spain  had 
Revolted  from  the  Crown  of  Spain  and  had  crowned  the 
vice-Roy  of  Mexico  their  King. 

Augt.  29.  I  send  Mr.  Noyes's  sermon  and  a  Phcenom' 
ena  to  the  Governour  by  the  Post,  sermon  was  the  first 
that  was  bound. 

Sept''  12.  Danforth,  Cook,  Sewall  set  out  for  Reho- 
both.  Capt.  Byfield  with  us  very  brisk  and  generous ; 
I  lodg'd  with  him.  Sept''  13.  To  Bristol.  Benj^  Allin's 
Sentence  was  confirmed,  He  apearing  notoriously  Naught. 
The  Judgm't  of  the  Court  in  the  Writt  of  Error  was  not 
declar'd  till  Sepf  15.  which  was  for  Blagrove  ag't  Byfield, 
at  which  Capt.  Byfield  swell'd  greviously.  In  a  case  of 
Saffin  vers.  Curtis,  which  Capt.  Byfield  was  concern'd  for 
Curtis,  Jury  brought  in  for  Curtis.  —  Capt.  Byfield,  with 
a  remarkable  Air,  thank' d  the  Jury  for  their  Justice  and 
sentence.  For  their  Justice,  and  with  a  voice  a  little 
Lower  said.  He  had  none  before.  I  told  him  he  deserv'd 
to  be  sent  to  prison.  He  disown'd  the  words;  And 
alleged ;  He  said  he  had  none  to  thank  any  body  for. 
Mr.  Cook  seconded  me.  Mr.  Danforth  heard  not.  Capt. 
Byfield  declin'd  coming  home  with  us.  Rain  hinder'd  our 
setting  out  that  day.  So  after  diner  at  Mr.  Saffin's,  Not 
knowing  better  how  to  bestow  my  time,  Look'd  on  Mr. 
Saffin's  Books,  and  lit  on  Dr.  Fullers  History  of  the 
Worthies  of  England,  and  in  p.  116.  117.  found  mention 
made  of  the  Inundation  at  Coventry,  on  Friday  April,  17. 
in  the  Maioralty  of  Henry  Sewall  my  Father's  Grand- 
father. Mention  is  made  p.  134.  of  W""  Dugdale's  Illus- 
trations of  Warwickshire. 

Sept!'  16.    Dined  at  Woodcocks,  visited  Mr.  Man,  Lodg'd 


1698.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  485 

at  Meadfield.  Sepf"  17th.  got  home  just  about  Noon,  very 
comfortable  and  well,  and  find  all  well  at  home.  Blessed 
be  God.  Mexican  Revolt  is  a  sham,  as  Mr.  Tho.  Brattle 
saith :  Report  is  taken  from  John  Bant,  which  as  far  as  I 
can  see  is  rather  Negative,  than  any  thing  else.  He  in 
his  wilder'd  condition  heard,  though  in  stead  of  going  to 
Barbados,  fell  near  Yucatan. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  to  His  Excellency,  the  Governour, 
Sept^  19.  1698,  by  the  Post:  — 

May  it  please  your  Excellency  :  — 
I  come  to  offer  your  Excellency  five  more  of  Mr.  Noyes's  Ser- 
mons, praying  your  Lordships  favourable  Acceptance  of  them.  Here 
is  one  John  Bant,  who  sail'd  from  this  Port  last  May,  bound  for 
Barbados  :  but  missing  that,  and  the  Neighbouring  Islands,  fell  into 
the  Bay  of  Mexico,  and  came  within  sight  of  Yucatan.  From  thence 
he  went  to  the  Havana,  where  he  arrived  upon  the  Lords  day,  about 
eight  weeks  agoe.  Was  had  before  the  Governour,  and  in  two  or  3 
hours  was  cornanded  thence,  not  being  permitted  to  stay  to  fit  his 
vessel.  Said  Bant  turned  up  to  the  Bay  of  Metansis  to  Water; 
where  he  spent  some  days  and  conversed  with  the  people.  And  yet 
heard  not  a  word  of  the  Mexican  Revolt.  Which  makes  the  Truth 
of  it  to  be  questioned  here.  However  it  be,  God  will  work  in  the 
fittest  season  and  place,  for  the  Help  of  his  people  and  distress  of 
their  Enemies.  The  ships  that  came  out  with  Capt.  Cliffe,  are  not 
arrived.  I  crave  leave  to  add  that  I  am  (though  unknown)  your 
Excellency's  most  humble  and  obedient  serv't.  S.  S. 

First  Letter  was  Augt.  29  ;  sent  the  first  and  only  book 
that  was  then  bound  in  red  leather. 

Octobl"  11.  1698.  Mr.  Joseph  Webb  buried.  Bearers. 
Cook,  Elisha  Hutchinson,  Sewall,  Addington,  Eliakim 
Hutchinson,  Dumer.  Mr.  Allin  and  Wadsworth  there.  I 
saw  no  other  Ministers.  Sixth-day,  Octob-  14.  1698. 
Church  Meeting  at  the  South  church.  Put  in  votes  for  elec- 
tion of  a  Minister.  Mr.  Ebenezer  Pemberton  had  Thirty 
seven  votes,  and  Mr.  Jabez  Fitch,  Twenty  three.  I  think 
Mr.  Oliver  and  Davis  did  not  vote.  In  the  Nomination  Sep- 
tember, 30.  Mr.  Fitch  had  Thirty  six,  and  Mr.  Pember- 
ton  Twenty   one.     Fourth-day,    OctobF    19.    1698.     Mr. 


486  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1698. 

Bullivant  was  with  me  to  take  leave,  and  desired  mj 
favour  on  behalf  of  Dr.  Chip,  that  he  might  dwell  in  part 
of  Mr.  Yonges  house  at  Cotton  Hill:  And  that  might 
have  it  all,  if  said  Yonge  left  it.  Said  he  had  an  estate, 
was  a  very  ingenious  civil  person  :  would  send  him  to  me. 
Seventh-day ;  Octob-  29.  1698.  Thomas  Savage  jun'',  shop- 
keeper, and  Sarah  Threeneedles  were  brought  face  to  face 
in  a  very  great  Audience :  She  vehemently  accused  him, 
and  he  asserted  his  innocency  with  vehement  Assevera- 
tions. She  said  he  had  ruin'd  her;  if  he  would  have 
prorais'd  her  any  thing,  it  had  not  come  to  this.  Said 
She  forgave  him.  Judgment  of  God  hung  over  him  if  did 
not  repent. 

Seventh-day,  Octob-  29.  1698.  Last  night  a  strange 
body  of  fire  was  seen  in  the  sky,  which  gave  an  unusual 
Light :  Davis,  the  Bell-man,  told  me  of  it  when  he  was 
coming  to  call  me  to  Court,  and  met  me  by  the  way. 

Fourth-day,  Novemb''  9.  Mr.  Cushing  is  ordain'd  at 
Salisbury.  Mr.  Higginson  preaches  a  Sermon,  Text, 
Eternal  Judgment. 

Fifth-day,  Nov'^  10*?  1698.  A  Church  is  gathered  at 
the  West  end  of  Newbury,  and  Mr.  Sam^  Belchar  ordained 
their  Minister. 

Fifth-day,  Novf  10.  Mr.  Green  is  ordained  at  Salem 
Village,  and  likelihood  of  a  stability  of  Peace  and  settle- 
ment there.  Fifth-day,  Nov-  17^^  Very  fair  serene 
wether ;  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  preaches  at  the  South-Meet- 
inghouse :  Sarah  Threeneedles  is  an  Auditor ;  is  a  very 
vast  Assembly,  and  the  street  full  of  such  as  could  not  get 
in ;  51.  Psalm  2^  verse  sung,  9-15  verses.  Mr.  Willard 
read  the  whole,  and  I  set  the  Tune.  After  Lecture  Sarah 
Threeneedles  is  executed.  Mr.  Woodbridge  went  to  the 
place  of  execution  and  pray'd  with  her  there. 

Sabbath,  December  4.  1698.  Last  night  lying  awake, 
but  with  my  eyes  fast  shut.  Lightening  flash' d  in  my 
face,  T  could  not  certainly  tell  what  Light  it  should  be ; 


1698.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  487 

but  presently  heard  a  loud  clap  of  Thunder.  This  day 
between  the  ringing  of  the  morning  Bells,  it  Thundered 
several  times,  but  with  a  more  confused  and  rumbling 
noise.     Much  Rain,  Mist. 

Decemb-  6th.  1698.  Our  cherubims  heads  are  set  up. 
Sister  Gerrish  here  with  her  son  Joseph.  Dec-  9.  Go 
homeward. 

Decemb''  10.  Mr.  Wadsworth  prays,  and  the  Court  is 
dissolv'd  about  4  p-m. 

Dec-  8.  Capt.  Belchar  invites  all  the  Deputies  to  his 
daughters  Wedding.  The  speaker,  Mr.  Eyre,  and  Mr. 
Oliver,  Dept.  for  Cambridge,  were  of  a  comittee  with  Mr. 
Secretary  and  me  to  acquaint  Mr.  Mather  with  the  Courts 
desire  of  his  removal  to  Cambridge,'  and  carry  him  an  Order 
for  200^  per  annum  so  long  as  he  should  reside  there. 
By  reason  of  the  Wedding,  twas  near  7  in  the  even  before 
we  got  thither.  I  began,  and  ask'd  excuse  for  our  being 
so  late.  The  reason  was,  most  of  us  were  come  from  a 
Wedding ;  However  I  hop'd,  it  was  a  good  omen,  that  we 
were  all  come  to  a  Wedding.  Mr.  President  expostulated 
with  Mr.  Speaker  and  Mr.  Eyre  about  the  votes  being 
alter' d,  from  250  [L.  ?],  as  the  Council  had  set  it,  and  also 
his  name  being  left  out  and  making  him  a  five  years  pres- 
ident. Note.  By  a  conference  the  Bill  was  made  as  ours 
at  first,  saving  fifty  pounds  less.  We  urg'd  his  going  all 
we  could ;  I  told  him  of  his  Birth  and  education  here ; 
that  he  look'd  at  work  rather  than  Wages,  all  met  in  de- 
siring him,  and  should  hardly  agree  so  well  in  any  other. 
Mr.  Speaker,  in  behalf  of  the  House,  earnestly  desired 
him.  Objected  want  of  a  House,  Bill  for  Corporation 
not  pass'd ;  Church ;  [his  attachment  to  it]  Must  needs 
preach  once  every  week,  which  he  prefered  before  the 
Gold  and  Silver  of  the  West-Indies.     I  told  him  would 

^  That  is,  that  he  should  resign  his  Ministry  in  Boston  and  go  to  Cam- 
bridge to  reside  in  his  office  as  President  of  the  College,  to  which  he  was 
disinclined.  —  Eds. 


488  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1698. 

preach  twice  aday  to  the  students.  He  said  that  (exposi- 
tion) was  nothing  Hke  preaching. 

Sabbath,  Decf  11.  1698.  I  went  to  see  Capt.  Wyllys, 
he  rustled  much  at  first  coming  in ;  Mrs.  Wyllys  bid  me 
sit,  and  would  speak  to  him  by  and  by :  He  made  a  little 
noise  and  fetch'd  his  breath  deep  once  or  twice  or  thrice 
and  expired  between  8  and  9  m,  just  before  our  first  Bell 
rung.     No  body  there  then  but  the  family  and  myself. 

Capt.  Edw.  Wyllys  buried  in  the  new  burying  place,  at 
the  uper  end.  Bearers,  Maj^  Gen^  Winthrop,  Sewall,  Col. 
Phillips,  L*  Col.  Lynde,  Mr.  Oakes,  Mr.  Eyre.  Cold  blus- 
tering day.     Mr.  Fisk  there. 

Tuesday,  Dec-  20.  1698.  Haiiah,  sitting  on  one  of  the 
Lether  chairs,  fell  on  the  rest,  Joana  went  to  her  and  was 
surprised ;  I  went  to  her  and  help'd  to  raise  her  up  ; 
seem'd  to  have  a  short  Convulsion  Fit.  Mr.  C.  Mather 
and  his  wife  were  here.  As  brought  them  going,  desired 
Mr.  Mather  to  remember  her  in  his  Prayers.  The  Provi- 
dence put  me  and  the  family  into  great  Consternation. 
The  Lord  fit  for  the  Issue. 

This  week  have  News  of  Some  of  the  Fleet  of  the  Scot- 
land Company  being  at  Jamaica ;  and  tis  rumor' d  they 
intend  to  settle  on  the  American  Isthmus,  or  on  Golden 
Island  just  by  it.  Makes  much  Discourse  in  Town.  I 
gave  Mr.  Borland  a  Duz.  PhcBnomena^  and  half  a  Duz.  of 
Mr.  Noyes's  Sermons,  to  send  them  to  welcom  them  into 
the  New  World,  to  go  by  Bant. 

Tuesday  Dec""  27.  1698.  Col.  Komer  is  treated  at  the 
Castle.^  Capt.  Fairwether  ask'd  me  not  to  goe  :  so  I  w^ent 
to  Roxbury  Lecture.  Saw  as  went,  Jn"^  Lion's  daughter 
buried,  of  12  years  old.     Mr.  Walters  Text  was  out  of  the 


1  "  The  fortifications  of  this  castle  were  very  irregular  till  King  William's 
reign,  when  Colonel  Romer,  a  famous  engineer,  was  sent  thither  to  repair 
them.  The  Colonel  demolished  all  the  old  works,  and  raised  an  entirely  new 
regular  fortification,  now  called  Fort  William."  JSTeal's  Present  State  of 
New  England,  Chap.  XIV.,  Vol.  II.,  p   586.  —Eds. 


1698.J  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  489 

19*^  Psalm,  —  cleanse  thou  me  from  secret  sins.  Godly 
men  had  a  Soul-concern  that  God  would  pardon  their 
Secret  sins  and  cleanse  them  from  them. 

Major  Townsend  there,  visited  Mr.  Walter  and  Madam 
Dudley,  Mr.  Hubbard,  White,  Newman  came  home  with 
us  by  moonshine,  I  shew'd  them  the  Scotland  Acts,  Sub- 
scriptions, Contributions ;  which  Mr.  Jackson  left  with  me 
this  day. 

Dec-  24.  1698.  Read  and  sung  in  course  in  the  Family 
the  3**  part  of  the  77^^  Ps.,  which  I  hop'd  was  going  to  be 
partly  fullfill'd  by  the  company  of  Scotland.  Dec-  29*!* 
After  Lecture  I  invite  Major  Yaughan  and  Mr.  Partridge 
to  Dinner,  such  as  it  was.  At  the  Town-House  with  Mr. 
Justice  Danforth,  Winthrop,  Cooke,  took  the  New  Oath 
made  last  sessions.  And  took  an  oath  relating  to  the 
Special  Court  to  try  Jacob  Smith ;  Mr.  Danforth  gave  the 
comission  to  Mr.  Cook.  Voted  some  Money  for  Major 
Walley.  Went  to  Yaughan  and  Partridge  at  Dering's,  as 
told  them  I  w^ould,  w^hile  in  the  chamber.  Had  only  a 
piece  of  rost  Beef,  Minct  pye  and  Tarts  to  Diner.  It 
seems  the  L*  Gov'"  invites  the  Council  to  Diner  to  morrow 
at  his  house. ^  After  Diner,  Major  Winthrop,  Mr.  Cook, 
Col.  Hutchinson,  Capt.  Foster,  Mr  Sergeant,  Mr.  Hutchin- 
son came  in  to  discourse  with  Mr.  Partridge  and  Yaughan, 
and  staid  till  about  6  aclock,  or  past.  Mr.  Cook  ask'd  me 
whether  I  was  bidden.  I  told  him  I  knew  nothing  of  it. 
Major  Gen^  look'd  upon  me  in  good  earnest,  and  almost 
angrily,  at  going  away,  and  told  me  I  must  goe;  but  I 
heard  nothing  of  it  since,  and  tis  now  Dec-  30th.  past 
3  tempore  pomeridiano,^ 


1  The  dinner  was,  of  course,  to  be  on  Christmas  Day,  and  Sewall's  well- 
known  prejudices  probably  caused  the  omission  of  his  invitation.  His  reflec- 
tions show  that  he  felt  that  he  was  running  some  risk  of  personal  loss  by  his 
course,  and  this  fact  must  dignify  in  our  eyes  his  Puritanism.  — Eds. 

2  This  phrase  explains  the  "  T.  P."  on  p.  25,  and  the  "  T.  pomer.''  on 
p.  42.  — Eds. 


490  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL    SEWAL.L.  [109f. 

The  Grievousness  of  this  proetermission  is,  that  by  this 
means  I  shall  be  taken  up  into  the  lips  of  Talkers,  and 
shall  be  obnoxious  to  the  Governour  at  his  coming,  as  a 
person  deserted  and  fit  to  be  hunted  down,  if  occasion  be ; 
and  in  the  mean  time,  shall  goe  feebly  up  and  down  my 
Business,  as  one  who  is  quite  out  of  the  L*  Govr^  favour. 
The  Lord  pardon  my  share  in  the  abounding  of  Iniquity 
by  reason  whereof  the  Love  of  many  waxes  cold. 

I  had  the  pleasure  this  day  to  read  in  course  the  37.  of 
Ezekiel.  I  could  not  but  think  of  the  Expedition  of  the 
Scots.  Hanah  read  the  4th  of  Ephesians.  How  hard  it 
is  to  practise  the  Duties  there  laid  down,  especially  about 
Anger  and  Malice.  Betty  read  the  20*^  of  Kevelation, 
all  in  course. 

2^  Day,  Jan^  2?  I  speak  to  Mr.  Mico  about  8  m.  at  his 
house,  largely  about  Capt.  Tuttle.  Saith  he  never  heard 
any  ill  of  him,  in  answer  to  my  asking  if  he  had  any  blot. 
Saith  knows  not  his  estate  but  thinks  it  may  be  about  6 
or  700£.  Is  in  good  Business,  and  like  to  be  in  better. 
If  he  had  a  sister  here  to  whom  his  Father  order'd  1000£ 
portion,  he  would  bestow  her  upon  Mr.  Tuttle,  if  he  ask'd 
her.^ 

Just  about  this  time  Mrs.  Moodey  was  siezed  with  the 
palsie  on  her  left  side  also,  and  made  speechless. 

Jan^  3"^  After  Roger  Judd's  being  here,  Mr.  Willard 
and  I  went  to  see  Mrs.  Moodey,  Mr.  Willard  prays  with 
her.  Methinks  fetcheth  her  breath  much  shorter  than 
vrhen  I  saw  her  the  evening  before. 

4th  day,  Jan^  4.  Mrs.  Moodey  dyes  about  Sun-rise. 
Roger  Judd  comes  into  my  house  this  morning,  and  talk- 
ing about  Mr.  Willards  sending  for  him  yesterday,  I  ask'd 
him,  if  Mr.  Myles  [Rector  of  King's  Chapel]  should  send 
for  him,  whether  he  would  not  reckon  it  his  duty  to  go  to 


'  Mr.  Tuthill  was  an  unsuccessful  suitor  for  Miss  Elizabeth  ("  Betty") 
Sewall.  —  Eds. 


169^.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  491 

him.  At  first,  he  said  yes ;  but  presently  after  said  If  I 
please.  I  told  him  that  he  made  himself  his  own  Judge. 
He  said,  If  should  now  call  a  church-Meeting  and  send  for 
him,  he  would  not  go  to  them  ;  for  he  was  none  of  them. 
Said  he  came  not  into  church  but  [by]  the  importunity  of 
Deacon  Eliot  and  others ;  told  him  then  he  was  for  the 
church  of  England.  And  told  me  now  twas  his  Conscience 
to  go  to  the  church  of  England,  and  he  had  sin'd  in  stay- 
ing away  from  it  so  long.  If  he  was  persecuted  for  it,  he 
could  not  help  it. 

Fourth-day,  Jan7  4th.  Mrs.  Moodey  dies  about  Sun- 
rise. About  11  m.  Daughter  Elisabeth  reads  to  me  the 
second  of  Genesis  in  course.  In  the  evening  between 
seven  and  eight  Capt.  Zech.  Tuthill  speaks  with  her. 
This  day  I  spake  with  Mr.  Newman  about  his  partaking 
with  the  French  church  ^  on  the  25.  December  on  account 
of  its  being  Christmas-day,  as  they  abusively  call  it.  He 
stoutly  defended  the  Holy-days  and  church  of  England. 
Jan"".  6.  169f .  I  received  a  Letter  from  Mr.  Taylor  giving 
account  of  Mrs.  Woodbridges  death  at  Harford :  was 
brought  to  bed  Dec.  18.     died  21.     Is  much  lamented. 

Jan^  —  at  night  Capt.  Tuthill  comes  to  speak  with 
Betty,  who  hid  her  self  all  alone  in  the  coach  for  several 
hours  till  he  was  gon,  so  that  we  sought  at  several  houses, 
till  at  last  came  in  of  her  self,  and  look'd  very  wild. 

Jan^  9  speaks  with  her  in  my  presence. 

Jan^  10.  dine  at  Mrs.  So.  Stoddard's,  Had  a  great  Treat. 
Major  Vaughan,  Mr.  Secretary,  Foster,  Sewall,  Townsend, 
President,  Mr.  Willard,  Allin,  Cotton  Mather,  Mr.  Wood- 
bridge,  Bromfield,  there  :  besides  select-Men. 

Jan^  10.  at  night  sent  Mr.  Tuthill  away,  because  company 


^  A  number  of  Huguenots,  or  French  Protestants,  driven  into  exile  by  the 
revocation  of  the  Edict  of  Nantes,  in  1685  came  to  Boston,  and  in  1687, 
having  entered  into  a  "  Church  estate,"  worshipped  for  some  time  in  the 
Town's  School-house,  in  School  Street.  The  Rev.  Pierre  Daille  was  the  min- 
ister of  this  "  French  Chui'ch."  —  Eds. 


492  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [169f 

was  here,  and  told  him  was  willing  to  know  her  mind 
better.  Jan^  18.  16 9 1  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  sits. 
Capt.  Nath.  Williams  foreman.  Capt.  Wing  had  a  son 
under  the  circumstances  of  the  person  to  be  tried  :  Bill 
was  indors'd  Ignoramus.  There  din'd  with  us  Mr.  Hutch- 
inson E°^j  Mr.  Sergeant,  Capt.  Jno.  Brown,  Capt.  Jn""  Tur- 
ner that  the  Court  paid  for.  I  motion'd  to  invite  Mr. 
Brown,  and  Maj''  Gen^  of  his  own  accord  invited  Capt 
Turner  as  his  cousin  Brown's  Companion. 

Friday,  Jan^  20.  Capt.  Brown  and  Turner  breakfast 
here  :  Betty  came  in  afterward,  and  serv'd  Almonds  and 
Raisins,  and  fill'd  a  Glass  of  Wine  to  us ;  and  it  fell  to  her 
to  drink  to  Capt.  Turner.  She  went  out  of  the  way  at 
first,  after  I  had  spoke  to  her  to  fill  wine :  which  surpris'd 
me :  and  I  contrived  that  of  the  Raisins  on  purpose  to  mend 
the  matter.  Sabbath-day  Jan^  22,  Bro""  Roger  Judd  is 
cast  out  of  the  Church  for  his  contumacy  in  refusing  to 
hear  the  Church,  and  his  contemptuous  behaviour  against 
the  same,  and  Mr.  Willard  the  Pastor.  Refus'd  to  be 
there. 

Second-day,  Jan''  23.  169f  I  carry  my  two  sons  and 
three  daughters  in  the  Coach  to  Danford,  the  Turks  head 
at  Dorchester :  eat  sage  Cheese,  drunk  Beer  and  Cider 
and  came  homeward.  Call'd  at  Madam  Dudley's,  then 
visited  Mr.  Walter ;  told  him  there  was  all  my  stock,  de- 
sired his  Blessing  of  them ;  which  he  did. 

Jan7  24.  Went  to  Roxbury  Lecture :  Mr.  Addington, 
Sergeant,  E"^  Hutchinson,  Major  Townsend  and  others 
there.  Mr.  Walter  exhorted  to  privat  Duties,  and  de- 
horted  from  privat  sins,  from  the  Consideration  of  God's 
seeing  in  secret.  Fourth-day,  Jan7  25.  169|  [Prayer] 
Company  of  Scotland,  South-church.  Children,  especially 
daughter  Elisabeth.     France. 

Thursday,  March,  2.  169f  Mrs.  Catharin  Phillips  bur- 
ied, Mr.  Danforth,  Major  Gen^  Winthrop,  Russel,  Cook, 
Elisha    Hutchinson,    Foster,    Bearers.      I   think   all   tlie 


16.9f.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  493 

Council  had  gloves  sent,  and  Rings  there.  L*  Gov''  was 
not  there,  by  reason  of  the  marriage  of  his  Nephew,  Mr. 
William  Taylor,  with  Mrs.  Sarah  Byfield,  this  day.  Gov'' 
Winthrop  was  at  the  Funeral. 

March,  4.  169f  Foy  arrives,  came  out  of  Faymouth  in 
November,  in  him  comes  an  Assistant  [Rev.  Christopher 
Bridge]  to  Mr.  Myles  who  preaches  March,  5. 

A   Copy  of  President  Mather's  Letter. 

To  the  Honorable  William  Stoughton,  Esqr.  Lieut.  Governour  of  the 

Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay. 
Honourable  Sie, 

I  promised  the  worthy  Gentlemen  who  acquainted  me  with  the 
Proposal  of  the  General  Court  concerning  the  removal  of  my  Habi- 
tation from  Boston  to  Cambridge,  that  I  would  return  my  Answer 
to  your  Honour.  In  the  first  place  I  give  my  humble  Thanks,  as  to 
the  General  Assembly,  so,  in  a  special  maner,  to  the  honourable 
Council,  and  to  your  Honor  in  a  most  peculiar  maner,  for  the  Re- 
spect in  this  Motion  manifested.  Nevertheless,  as  to  the  thing  pro- 
posed, I  do  not  see  my  way  clear.  As  to  the  Salary,  I  make  no 
objection,  although  it  is  considerably  less  than  what  I  have  in  Bos- 
ton, through  the  Love  and  bounty  of  the  people  amongst  whom  God 
hath  fixed  my  present  abode.  But  the  objections  which  are  of  weight 
with  me  are  these; — 1.  If  I  comply  with  what  is  desired,  I  shall 
be  taken  off,  in  a  great  measure  at  least,  from  my  publick  Ministry. 
Should  I  leave  preaching  to  1500.  souls  (for  I  supose  that  so  many 
use  ordinarily  to  attend  in  our  Congregation)  only  to  expound  to  40 
or  50  Children,  few  of  them  capable  of  Edification  by  such  Exercises  : 
I  doubt  I  should  not  do  well.  I  desire  (as  long  as  the  Lord  shall 
enable  me)  to  preach  publickly  every  Lords  Day.  And  I  think  all 
the  Gold  in  the  East  and  West-Indies  would  not  tempt  me  to  leave 
preaching  the  Unsearchable  Riches  of  Christ;  which  several  of  the 
Presidents  in  the  CoUedge  were  necessitated  to  desist  from,  because 
of  their  other  work. 

2.  I  am  now  (through  the  patience  of  God)  grown  into  years, 
wanting  but  half  a  year  of  60.  and  of  a  weak  and  tender  Constitu- 
tion of  Body,  not  well  able  to  endure  the  Hardships  of  the  President- 
ship. A  younger  and  a  stronger  man  would  do  better.  Invalidae 
vires  ingeniumque  mihi. 

3.  I  have  laboured  much  both  in  New-England,  and  in  England 
to  obtain  an  hapy  settlement  of  the  Colledge.     Should  I  at  last  gc 


494  DIAEr   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1699. 

thither  my  self,  the  World  would  say,  (as  I  hear  some  do  say)  that  I 
sought  my  self  in  all  those  Endeavours.  Such  Reproaches  will,  by 
a  Resignation  of  my  Relation  to  that  Society,  be  for  ever  put  to 
Silence.  One  Reason  of  my  retaining  my  Relation  to  the  Colledge 
thus  long,  has  been  because  it  was  thought,  that  would  facilitate  its 
Charter-Settlement.  Could  I  see  that  done,  I  should  with  great  joy 
give  way  to  another  President. 

4.  I  am  satisfied  that  the  Church  to  which  I  stand  related,  will 
not  set  me  at  Liberty.  Many  of  them  say  that  God  has  made  me 
their  Spiritual  Father;  and  how  can  they  consent  that  I  should  go 
from  them  ?  Besides,  they  well  know  that  I  have  had  a  strong  Bent 
of  Spirit  to  spend  (and  to  end)  the  remainder  of  my  few  days  in 
England ;  and  that  the  thing  that  keeps  me  here,  now  the  Gospel 
has  a  free  passage  there,  is  my  Love  to  them  :  for  which  cause  they 
will  not  consent  to  my  being  discharg'd  of  my  Office-Relation,  with- 
out which  I  must  not  remove  to  the  Colledge.  For  it  is  not  fit  that 
I  should  retain  an  Office  without  Discharging  the  Duties  of  that 
Office. 

I  neither  will,  nor  have  I  obstructed  the  settlement  of  the  Col- 
ledge in  a  better  hand.  I  have  often  (as  your  Honour  well  knows) 
desired  to  resign  my  Relation  to  that  Society.  And  if  it  will  not  be 
grievous  to  you,  I  shall  to-morrow  (If  you  please)  deliver  a  Resigna- 
tion of  the  Presidentship  to  the  Senior  Fellow  of  the  Corporation, 
for  him  to  call  a  Corporation-Meeting  in  order  to  the  chusing  another 
President.  And  let  the  Corporation  doe  as  they  would  doe  if  I  were 
out  of  the  World.  Thus,  Sir,  have  I  taken  the  freedom  to  acquaint 
you  with  my  present  Inclinations,  and  with  the  Reasons  thereof, 
which  I  cannot  answer.  Could  I  see  them  well  answered  to  my  own 
satisfaction  (but  of  that  I  despair)  I  should  be  capable  of  changing 
my  mind.  Untill  then,  and  ever,  I  remain 
Honourable  Sir, 

Yours  to  Serve 

Increase  Mather. 
Decemb'  16.  1698. 

Vide  p.  185  [under  date  Dec.  8,  antel. 

March,  27.  1699.  Mr.  Middlecott  desires  his  son  Pain 
may  be  released  as  to  Cotton-House.  March,  28.  p.m. 
Capt.  Tuthill  comes  and  desires  to  take  it.  March,  30. 
1699.  I  had  the  inermost  Tooth  save  two  on  the  lower 
left  jaw,  pulled  out  by  Robert  Ellis.  It  was  in  two  pieces. 
It  was  loose  and  put  me  not  to  much  pain.     March,  31. 


1699.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  495 

Mr.  Willard  visits  me  and  prays  with  the  family.  All 
present.  April,  1.  1699.  Mr.  Jn*"  Wait  was  here  and 
express' d  his  earnest  desire  that  Bastian  might  have  Jane, 
Mr.  Thair's  Negro.  I  spake  to  Jane  on  Monday.  Apr. 
6.  1699.  The  President,  Mr.  Cotton  Mather  and  Mr.  Wil- 
lard  visit  me.  It  seems  a  day  or  two  ago  there  was  a 
great  Funeral  of  a  Barbados  Gentleman ;  Usher,  Foster, 
Dyer,  Maccarty,  Harris,  Newton,  Bearers.  Funeral  ser- 
mon, and  great  crowding  to  it. 

Apr.  8.  Mrs.  Eunice  Wait  comes  to  our  house  and 
expresses  her  desire  that  Sebastian  might  have  Mrs. 
Thair's  Jane ;  and  would  have  me  promote  it ;  though 
she  said  'twould  be  to  their  prejudice  in  some  respect. 
Govr'^  speech  is  brought  to  Town  of  March  27,  at  the 
opening  of  the  Assembly  at  New  York.  Apr.  10.  The 
Spanish  sheet  is  printed  off.  Bradish  brought  to  Town. 
Was  taken  at  Deerfield. 

Apr.  13th.  Orders  are  issued  to  L*  Col.  Hutchinson  to 
prepare  for  my  Lords  [Bellomont]  coming  as  to  the  Regi- 
ment.    Apr.  13.    Council  din'd  at  the  Exchange  Tavern. 

Lords-Day,  Apr.  16.  Many  Swallows  do  proclaim  the 
Spring.  Apr.  15.  7th  day,  Shute  arrives  from  Salt-Tar- 
booda  [Tortuga]. 

Apr.  18.  Went  to  Neponset  to  meet  Capt.  Fayerwether. 
Took  Roxbury  Lecture  in  our  way  home. 

Third-day,  April  25.  1699.  Madam  Usher's  case  is 
comitted  to  the  Jury,  whereof  Jacob  Nash  is  Fore-man. 
Mr.  Willard  pray'd,  and  afterward  dined  with  us. 

Fourth-day,  April  26.  The  Jury  brings  in  their  ver- 
dict for  Madam  Usher.  Mr.  Leverett  and  Newton  crave 
a  Chancery.  John  Rainsford  arrives,  8  weeks  passage 
from  the  Downs.  Mr.  Secretary  waits  on  the  L*  Govr 
and  comes  into  the  Council-chamber  after  the  Adjourn- 
ment in  the  evening,  and  tells  Mr.  Winthrop,  Mr.  Cooke 
and  me  that  the  Act  for  Courts  is  disanulled  [disallowed  ?], 
and  that  of  the  CoUedge,  &c :  so  that  our  Court  is  like  to 


i96  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [Ifi99. 

die  and  sink  in  the  midst.  The  Lord  be  our  King,  and 
Lord,  and  Law-Giver.  Pardon  our  Court-Sins,  and  sanctify 
our  frequent  Deaths. 

Fifth-day,  April,  27.  1699.  The  Bell  is  toll'd  in  the 
morn :  but  go  not  in.  After  Lecture  the  L*^  Gov''  shews 
us  the  Allowance  and  Disallowance  of  Laws.  After  Diner 
Bell  is  toll'd  again  :  go  in.  Mr.  Danforth  tells  the  people, 
Had  such  news  from  England  as  that  could  not  hold  the 
Court  any  longer ;  which  they  would  hear  published  by 
and  by :  call'd  for  what  papers  the  Jury  had,  out  of  their 
hands. 

Drum  is  beat,  and  Allowance  and  Disallowance  of  the 
Acts  is  published,  L*  Gov''  and  Council  standing  in  the 
Gallery.     Great  many  Auditors  below. 

Second-day;    May    8    1699.      Boston    Town-Meeting. 


Number  of  Voters 

323. 

Capt.  Andrew  Belchar 

239. 

Mr.  John  Eyre 

178. 

Mr.  John  White 

175. 

Capt.  Theophilus  Frary 

165. 

Brorafield 

156. 

'^^gg 

146. 

Byfield 

122. 

Foxcroft 

86. 

Extract  of  Mr.  William  Paterson's  Letter,  dated  at  Fort 
St.  Andrew,  Febr.  18th.  1699.^    Sent  to  Mr.  John  Borland.^ 


1  This  was,  undoubtedly,  the  famous  projector  of  the  Darien  scheme,  and 
the  preceding  allusions  to  the  Company  of  Scotland,  &c.,  relate  to  the  same 
affair.  The  company  was  incorporated  June  26,  1695.  In  1698  the  expedi- 
tion sailed,  and  November  1,  the  colonists  landed  at  Darien.  By  the  follow- 
ing spring  the  colony  had  lost  a  great  part  of  its  number  by  sickness ;  and, 
in  fear  of  an  attack  from  the  Spaniards,  the  remainder  fled  to  New  York. 

In  August,  1699,  a  second  company  was  sent  out,  in  ignorance  of  the 
disaster  which  had  overwhelmed  the  colony.     With  them  was  Rev.  John 

2  What  Sewall  meant  by  "sent  to  Mr.  John  Borland,"  is  not  clear, 
whether  the  Rev.  John,  or  his  namesake  in  Boston.  As  early  as  1685,  the 
name  of  John  Borland  appears  on  our  records.     Here  he  lived  for  forty  years, 


1699.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  497 

"I  have  read  the  two  books  you  sent,  for  which  I  thank  the 
Author  and  you ;  and  am  glad  to  see  the  Spirit  and  Hand  of  Al- 
mighty God  at  this  time  in  so  eminent  a  maner,  as  it  were  moving 
in  the  minds  of  so  many  men,  and  inclining  and  preparing  them 
(although  in  so  many  and  various  circumstances,  and  different  and 
distant  places)  to  this  great  Work,  that,  I  hope  we,  though  unworthy, 
are  made  the  hapy  Instruments  to  begin." 

Extract  of  this  Letter,  drawn  by  Mr.  Steel,  was  printed 
at  Boston,  May,  15.  1699. 

See  my  Journal  of  meeting  the  Govf  Jane,  7th.  Mr. 
Willard  prays  in  the  Council,  and  tis  said  did  so  yester- 
day. Gov""  dines  at  Roxbury,  four  coaches.  Capt.  By- 
field  gives  the  Comittee  a  Treat. 

June,  5.  1699.  Mr.  Willard  preaches  an  excellent 
Election  Sermon.  Gov''  dines  at  Monks.  Major  Walley 
chosen  Capt.,  Capt.  Byfield  Lieut.  Tho.  Hutchinson  Ens. 
Gov''  Bellomont  delivers  the  Badges,  saying  that  He 
aprov'd  of  the  choice. 

Borland,  to  whom,  writes  Macaulay,  "  we  owe  the  best  account  of  the  voyage 
which  is  now  extant."  We  do  not  find  any  reference  to  Borland's  account 
in  Allibone,  and  it  may  be  that  it  remains  in  manuscript,  and  was  used  in 
that  form  by  Macaulay. 

The  new  colonists  fared  but  little  better  than  their  predecessors.  A 
Spanish  fleet  and  army  blockaded  the  settlement,  and  compelled  an  evacua- 
tion thereof.  On  the  11th  April,  the  survivors  sailed  for  home,  but  met 
with  renewed  disaster,  and  very  few  finally  reached  Scotland.  See  farther, 
Macaulay 's  History,  Chap.  XXIV.  —  Eds. 

a  serviceable  and  honored  citizen,  and  became  the  progenitor  of  many  dis- 
tinguished bearers  of  the  name.  He  died  March  30,  1727,  aged  sixty-eight, 
leaving  a  widow  and  an  only  son.  His  will  mentions  three  nieces,  daughters 
of  his  brother,  Francis  Borland,  late  of  Glasford,  in  North  Britain,  clerk, 
deceased.  The  seal  on  his  will  bears  a  coat  of  arms:  viz.,  two  bars,  over  all, 
a  boar,  bend-wise.     Motto,  "  Press  through." 

Very  possibly  he  was  a  relative,  perhaps  the  son,  of  the  Rev.  John  Borland 
just  mentioned. 

The  fact  that  Paterson's  letter  was  sent  here,  and  that  it  evidently  refers 
to  a  copy  of  Sewall's  book,  the  Phceiiomena,  sent  by  some  one  other  than  the 
author,  renders  it  probable  that  our  Boston  Borland  was  the  person  addressed. 

It  would  seem  from  the  next  entry  in  the  Diary  that  this  complimentary 
letter  was  printed  in  Boston,  but  we  are  not  aware  that  any  copy  has  sur- 
vived.—  Eds. 


498  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1699 

Mr.  Wigglesworth  and  his  wife  lodge  here.  M.  T.  [Mr. 
Tuthill]  Wednesday  nights. 

Friday,  June,  9,  1699.  Capt.  Natha.  Byfield  is  sworn 
Judge  of  the  Admiralty,  Capt.  Lawrence  Hamond  Regis- 
ter, Franklin,  Marshal.  This  was  done  before  the  Gov'' 
and  Council. 

Second-day,  June  12,  1699.  The  Gov''  goes  to  the 
Castle  with  Col.  Homer  and  several  of  the  Council :  Was 
saluted  by  the  Fort  and  Ships  as  passed  by,  and  at  the 
Castle.  Afterwards  Col.  Homer  desired  a  Shot  might  be 
made;  the  Gun  broke,  and  kill'd  Nathan^  Homes,  the 
Under-Guner,  who  was  buried  at  Roxbury  next  day,  just 
before  Lecture.  One  Proctor,  an  old  man,  was  danger- 
ously wounded :  and  the  Governour's  Butler,  so  as  to  lose 
much  Blood. 

In  the  Afternoon,  June,  12.  1699.  I  went  to  Hog 
Island  with  Cous.  Savage,  to  view  the  Barn  whose  Roof  is 
blown  oK.  No  Guns  were  fired  at  the  Governour's  coming 
off  from  the  Castle :  but  about  six,  many  were  fired  as 
came  to  the  Harbour  to  Land.  Came  from  the  Island  just 
about  7  or  after,  and  Landed  on  my  own  Wharf  about  Nine 
at  night. 

Wednesday,  June  21.  A  Pack  of  Cards  are  found 
strawed  over  my  fore-yard,  which,  tis  suposed,  some 
might  throw  there  to  mock  me,  in  spite  of  what  I  did  at 
the  Exchange  Tavern  last  Satterday  night. 

Midsumer  Day,  1699.  Mr.  Secretary,  Capt.  Belchar, 
Capt.  Mason,  and  S.  are  invited,  and  dine  with  my  Lord 
and  Lady  at  Mr.  Sergeants.  At  9.  at  night  Bradish  and 
Witherly  get  out  of  Prison  and  make  their  escape  with 
the  Maid  that  help'd  them  out. 

Monday,  June,  26.  I  visit  the  Lieut  Govf  His  Hon- 
our kept  house  yesterday,  had  now  his  left  Leg  lying  on 
a  Chair. 

June,  30.  1699.  Writt  to  Mr.  Nathanael  Higginson  at 
Fort  St.  George  near  Ceylon  in  Asia,  with  a  Phcenomena 


1699.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  499 

and  several  other  Prints ;  persuading  his  Return  to  N.  E. 
hope  to  see  him  Governour  of  this  Province.^ 

Third-Day,  July,  11.  1699.  I  went  with  Mr.  Willard 
to  Pulling-Point  to  Mr.  Dean  Winthrop's,  (77)  anoriim. 
Between  one  and  two,  Mr.  Willard  married  Atherton 
Haugh  and  Mercy  Winthrop  :  Said,  Mr.  Atherton  Haugh, 
Mrs.  Mercy  Winthrop;  forbad  all  unlawful  comunion 
with  other  Women  and  vice  versa.  Gave  very  good  Ad- 
vice and  Exhortation ;  especially  most  solemnly  charged 
them  never  to  neglect  family  Prayer.  Between  3  and 
four  Major  Gen^  and  Mr.  Adam  Winthrop  came  and  many 
with  them,  when  we  had  almost  din'd.  Sang  a  Psalm 
together,  I  set  St.  David's  Tune :  Sung  part  of  two 
Psalms,  concluded  Avith  the  4  last  verses  of  the  115. 

When  Mr.  Willard  ask'd  Mr.  Winthrop's  consent,  he 
also  complemented  me  respecting  Atherton  Haugh  :  I  said 
I  was  glad  that  had  found  so  good  a  Family  and  so  good 
a  wife.  And  after,  when  saw  the  Bridegroom  and  Bride 
together  after  the  Wedding :  I  praid  God  to  bless  them, 
and  give  them  such  an  Offspring  wherein  the  Name  of 
Haugh  and  Winthrop  might  flourish. 

Mr.  Dean  Winthrop  liv'd  there  in  his  fathers  days,  and 
was  wont  to  set  up  a  Bush  when  he  saw  a  ship  coming 
in ;  He  is  now  77  years  old.  In  his  Fathers  time,  his 
house  stood  more  toward  Dear  Island.  Wind  was  against 
us  coming  home ;  so  that  twas  nine  aclock  before  landed. 
Were  four  hours  in  the  passage.  Maj*"  Gen^  &c  bid  there 
all  night,  and  pass'd  it  but  uncomfortably. 

Wednesday ;  July,  19.  The  Lady  Bellomont  and  Madam 
Nanfan  visit  us. 


^  Nathaniel  Higginson,  H.  C.  1670,  was  son  of  John  Higginson,  of  Salem. 
Savage  says  that  he  went  to  England,  was  for  some  years  employed  in  the 
Mint,  under  Lord  Wharton,  went  to  Madras,  and  was  there  secretary  and 
governor  of  the  factory.  He  died  in  London,  in  1708.  Some  of  his  letters 
are  printed  in  3  Mass.  Hist.  Soc.  Coll.,  VII.  196-222.  On  p.  218  is  a  refer- 
ence to  a  letter  written  by  Sewall.  —  Eds. 


500  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1699. 

July,  20.  Deputies  are  sent  for  to  Mr.  Sergeant's,  and 
in  his  best  Chamber,  the  Governour  declares  his  Proroga- 
tion of  the  Court  to  the  11*^^  of  Octobf  next,  9  mane.  This 
was  done  about  Noon,  and  then  the  Lecture  began  about 
Later  than  is  now  usual. 

July,  24.  1699.  About  6  mane,  my  wife  with  Eliza- 
beth, Joseph,  Mary  and  Jane  Tapan,  set  sail  for  Newbury 
in  Titcomb.  Rid  down  to  the  Boat  in  Mr.  Simson's 
Coach. 

Third-Day,  July,  25.  1699.  My  Lord  Bellomont  de- 
liver'd  me  my  Comision  for  Judge  of  the  Superiour  Court. 
And  the  Chief  Justice,  Mr.  Stoughton,  Mr.  Cooke  and  my 
self  were  sworn  in  Mr.  Sergeants  best  chamber  before  the 
Governour  and  Council.  And  all  of  the  Council  present 
were  sworn  as  Justices  of  the  Peace ;  Only  Mr.  Eliakim 
Hutchinson  declined  taking  his  Oath.  The  Great  God  of 
Heaven  enable  us,  and  me  in  particular,  to  keep  these 
solemn  Oaths.  When  I  came  home  Sam,  Haiiah  and 
Joaiia  being  gon  to  Dorchester  with  Madam  Usher  to  the 
Lecture,  I  found  the  House  empty  and  Lock'd.  Taking 
the  key  I  came  in  and  made  a  shift  to  find  a  solitary 
Diner  of  bak'd  Pigeons  and  a  piece  of  Cake.  How  hapy 
I  were,  if  I  could  once  become  wise  as  a  Serpent  and 
harmless  as  a  Dove ! 

Council  ad  vis' d  that  the  Governour  give  Mr.  Mather 
some  Authority  relating  to  the  College,  pursuant  to  the 
Vote  of  the  Representatives. 

July.  25.  Madam  Usher,  Sam,  Hana  and  Joana  ride  to 
Dorchester  Lecture  in  Mr.  Simsons  Coach. 

Between  6  and  7, 1  have  my  Lady  up  upon  Cotton  Hill, 
and  shew  her  the  Town ;  Madam  Sergeant,  Nanfan,  Newton 
there;  and  Maj""  Gerf  and  Mr.  Sergeant.  Mrs.  Tuthills 
Daughters  invited  my  Lady  as  came  down  and  gave  a 
Glass  of  good  wine. 

As  came  down  again  through  the  Gate  I  ask'd  my 
Lady's  Leave  that  now  I  might  call  it  Bellomont  Gate- 


I 


1699.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  501 

My  Lady  laugh' d,  and  said,  What  a  Complement  he  puts 
on  me  !     With  pleasancy. 

Septf  11.  1699.  Mr.  Danforth,  Cook,  and  my  self  set 
out  for  Bristow ;  I  had  a  flux ;  Lodge  at  Childs's. 

Septr  12.  To  Bristow.  13.  Court  breaks  up.  14.  Mr. 
Newton  and  I  bring  Mr.  Danforth  and  Cook  going  as  far 
as  the  way  that  leads  over  the  bridge.  When  got  back 
the  wind  was  so  high  that  could  not  get  over  the  ferry. 
Din'd  at  Rowlands.  Lodg'd  at  Mr.  Wilkins's.  Friday 
Sepf  15.  Mr.  Newton  and  I  ride  to  Newport,  see  aged 
Joan  Savage,  (now  Earl),  by  the  way.  Her  husband, 
Ralph  Earl,  was  born  1606.  and  his  wife  was  10.  or  11 
years  older  than  he.  So  she  is  esteemed  to  be  one  hun- 
dred and  five  years  old.  I  pass  over  the  ferry  to  Narra- 
ganset ;  by  the  time  landed,  twas  almost  quite  dark.  Got 
to  Capt.  Willet's,  and  lodg'd  there.  Satterday  7- 16 —  went 
to  Tho  Hazard's,  and  with  him  to  Niles's  Mill,  from  thence 
to  Point  Judith.  Find  his  son  gon  to  Block-Island.  So  I 
went  back  to  go  to  Newport,  lodg'd  at  Joseph  Morey's  on 
Canonicut. 

Sabbath-day.  7!"  17.  Jos.  Morey  carrys  me  over ;  I 
hear  Mr.  Clap,  who  prays  and  preaches  very  well.  Dine 
and  lodge  at  Tho.  Mallet's. 

Second-day,  7-18.  I  ferry  over  to  Canonicut,  tis  so 
late  before  I  get  over  that  am  forc'd  to  lodge  at  Capt. 
Arnold's. 

19.  Went  over  with  Briggs.  Goe  with  Tho.  Hazard 
to  Mattoonuck,  view  the  bounds  and  add  to  the  heaps  of 
Stones  at  3  Corners.  Go  back  and  lodge  on  Boston  Neck 
at  Tho.  Hazard's.  (20)  Ferry  over  to  Rode-Island,  Get  to 
Newport  about  one. 

I  stand  at  Tho.  Mallet's  and  salute  his  Excellency  as  he 
rides  in  his  Coach  into  Town. 

Sept^  21.  Governour  invites  me  to  dine  with  him  at  Mr. 
Clark's.     Mr.  Saffin  lodges  with  me. 

Sept^  22.     Note.    Niles  brings  over  Block-Island  Harry 


502  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1699. 

[an  Indian]  to  me.  Have  some  Talk  about  a  Kelease  for 
Point  Judith :  puts  it  off  till  next  day. 

23.  Agree  for  15£  and  draw  a  rough  of  it  and  take 
his  hand  to  it.  (24)  Lords  Day,  Hear  Mr.  Clap.  Gov^ 
Winthrop,  Maj''  Gen!,  Col.  Hutchinson,  Capt  Foster,  Mr. 
Saffin,  Sewall,  Capt.  Mason,  Mr.  James  Noyes,  Mr.  G.  Sal- 
tonstall  there,  besides  some  others.  Strangers. 

Sept^  25.  Ninecraft  [in  margin,  Ninnegret]  executes 
a  Release  of  Mr.  Addington's  drawing.  Gov.  Winthrop, 
Maj""  Gen^  Winthrop,  Capt.  Foster,  Joseph  Stanton,  and 
Block-Island  Harry,  witnesses.  Note.  Niles  goes  with  him, 
and  he  Acknowledges  it  before  John  Green,  dept.-Gov- 
ernour ;  Joseph  Hull  also  present.  I  deliver  it  to  Weston 
Clark,  Recorder.  (26)  He  brings  it  in  the  morn  Recorded, 
give  him  2-6^  (27)  Governour  sets  out  for  Boston,  Pole 
of  the  Calash  broken  by  the  Horses  frighted  with  a 
Pistol.  The  making  of  a  new  one  takes  up  an  hour  or 
two.  Dine  at  Mr.  Brenton's  at  Bristow.  Lodge  at  Reho- 
both.  (28)  Set  out  at  7  mane.  Dine  at  Bilhnges.  Set 
out  at  2.  Get  to  Dedham  by  5.  After  a  little  Recruit 
leave  the  Calash  there.  Governour  rides  on  Horseback. 
Get  home  by  Seven  in  good  health  though  the  day  was 
very  hot.  Find  my  family  in  health,  only  disturbed  at 
Betty's  denying  Mr.  Hirst,  and  my  wife  hath  a  cold.  The 
Lord  sanctify  Mercyes  and  Afflictions. 

Seventh-day,  Octob-  14.  I  meet  with  the  Governour, 
L*  Gov'',  Mr.  I.  Mather,  &c  about  the  Indian  Affair,  which 
is  the  first  time.  The  Lord  make  me  faithfuU  and  usefull 
in  it.  Gov'^  Ashurst's  Letter  was  read  wherein  Mr.  Cotton 
Mather,  Mr.  Neh.  Walter,  S.  Sewall,  Jn^  Foster,  Mr.  Peter 
Sergeant,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Banistor  were  added. ^ 

Octobr  16.  Pray  for  Sam.  and  my  daughters  Hannah 
and  Eliza,  and  others  of  my  Children.     Mr.  Torrey  lodges 


1  Having  charge  of  funds  of  the   Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel 
among  the  Indians.  —  Eds. 


1699.]  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  503 

here  and  tells  me  of  the  wofull  Distance  between  L*  Col. 
Hunt,  and  himself.  Mr.  Little  ordain'd  at  Plim-  Ocf  4. 
1699.     Mr.  Cotton,  Septf  17.  fol  206. 

Oct-  17.  The  President  visits  me  and  gives  me  one  of 
his  Books  of  Sermons,  printed  in  London,  1699. 

Oct^  23.  The  amazing  news  of  the  (See  fol.  206)  [un- 
der date  of  April  22,  1700]  dismal  Mortality  at  Charles- 
town  in  Carolina  comes  to  Town  and  is  spread  all  over  it : 
150  dead  in  6  days  time :  Draw  the  dead  to  the  Grave  in 
Carts.  Mr.  Cotton  is  dead  among  the  rest.  Infection 
was  brought  from  Providence.  This  made  us  the  rather 
put  Plantations  in  the  plural  number  in  the  Bill  this  day 
order'd  for  Thanksgiving. 

Oct^  24.  Mr.  W""  Hirst  comes  and  thanks  my  wife  and 
me  for  our  Kindness  to  his  Son  ^  in  giving  him  the  Liberty 
of  our  house.  Seems  to  do  it  in  way  of  taking  leave.  I 
thank 'd  him,  and  for  his  countenance  to  Haiiah  at  the 
Wedding.  Told  him  that  the  wellwishers  to  my  daughter 
and  his  son  had  persuaded  him  to  go  to  Braintry  and 
visit  her  there  &c. ;  said  if  were  hope  would  readily  do  it. 
But  as  things  were,  twould  make  persons  think  he  was  so 
involved  that  he  was  not  fit  to  go  any  wether  else.  He 
has  I  supose  taken  his  final  Leave.  I  gave  him  Mr.  Oakes 
Sermon,  and  my  Father  Hulls  Funeral  Sermon. 

Octob^  26.  1699.  Joseph  Bradish,  Tee  Witherly,  and 
Kate  Price  are  brought  to  Town  and  sent  to  Prison,  from 
whence  they  escaped  June,  24.  Fast  is  warned  to  be  next 
Thorsday  for  the  Afilicted  church  abroad. 

Oct^  27.  L*  Gov'^  Treats  the  Governour  and  his  Lady 
and  many  more  :  Two  tables.  Capt.  Crow  breaks  a  Glass 
Bottle  of  Madera  as  it  stood  on  the  floor,  so  that  it  run 
about  with  its  Sanguin  Colour ;  Capt.  Crow  mention'd  its 


1  The  son,  Grove  Hirst,  was  a  suitor,  and  at  length  the  husband  of 
"  Betty"  Sewall,  the  previous  advances  by  Mr.  Tuthill  having  resulted  in 
nothing.  — Eds. 


504  DIARY    OF    SAMUEL    SEWALL.  [1699. 

not  being  able  to  be  gathered  up  again.  Mr.  Danforth 
crav'd  a  Blessing ;  Mr.  Bridge  return'd  Thanks.  Before 
Diner  rid  with  the  Governour  to  the  end  of  Dorchester 
Neck.  This  day  news  comes  to  Town  of  Mr.  Man's  House 
being  burnt  last  night.  Capt.  Foxcroft  informs  us  at 
Dorchester  of  his  Father  Danforth's  Sickness.  Mr.  Hirst 
and  Sam.  come  home  from  Braintry  where  they  lay  the 
night  before. 

Oct-  28.  I  visit  Mr.  Danforth  who  is  very  sick ;  his 
Daughter  Foxcroft  tells  me  he  is  much  troubled  with  the 
Palsie.  Was  much  indisposed  the  22.  inst,  which  was  the 
beginning  of  his  sickness ;  yet  would  go  to  Meeting  which 
did  him  hurt ;  especially  going  out  in  the  Afternoon.  I 
wish'd  him  Refreshings  from  God  under  his  fainting  Sick- 
ness. 

Seventh-day,  Nov'"  4.  Capt.  Apleton  of  Ipswich  dies. 
He  was  an  Israelite  indeed,  a  great  Ornament  of  that 
Church  and  Town.  Died  of  the  Jaundies.  77  years. 
This  day  the  Gov""  Treats  the  Council  and  sundry  other 
Gentlemen  in  Mr.  Sergeants  best  chamber.  Guns  fired 
upon  account  of  the  King's  Birth-day.  At  night  Gover- 
nour and  Mr.  Newton  made  an  Illumination. 

Lord's  Day,  Novr  5.  Tho.  Danforth  Esqr  dies  about  3 
post  merid.  of  a  Fever.  Has  been  a  Magistrat  fourty 
years.  Was  a  very  good  Husbandman  and  a  very  good 
Christian,  and  a  good  Councillor :  was  about  76.  years 
old. 

Third-day,  Nov""  7.  Mr.  Stoughton,  in  his  Speech  to  the 
Grand-Jury,  takes  great  notice  of  Judge  Danforth's  Death. 
Saith  he  was  a  Lover  of  Religion  and  Religious  Men ;  the 
oldest  Servant  the  Country  had ;  zealous  against  vice : 
And  if  had  any  Detractors  ;  yet  was  so  much  on  the  other 
as  to  erect  him  a  Monument  among  this  People.  Mr. 
Willard  in  his  Prayer  mention'd  Gods  Displeasure  in  his 
Removal ;  and  desired  the  Judges  might  act  on  the  Bench 
as  those  who  must  also  shortly  go  to  give  their  Account. 


1699.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  505 

Indeed  it  is  awfull,  that  while  we  are  sitting  on  the  bench, 
at  the  same  time  the  ancientest  Judge  should  be  lying  by 
the  Wall  dead  in  his  house.  I  can't  tell  how  it  came 
about,  but  I  told  Mr.  Danforth  at  Bristow,  I  thought  he 
would  never  come  thither  again,  which  made  him  take  a 
more  particular  Leave  than  otherwise  he  would  have  done. 

Sixth-day,  Nov^  10.  1699.  Mr.  Danforth  is  intombed 
about  a  :^  of  an  hour  before  four  p.  m.  Very  fair  and 
pleasant  day,  much  Company.  Bearers  on  the  right  side 
L*  Gov%  Mr.  Russell,  Sewall :  Left  side,  Mr.  W.  Winthrop. 
Mr.  Cook,  Col.  Phillips.  I  help'd  lift  the  Corps  into  the 
Tomb,  can-ying  the  feet.  Had  cake  and  cheese  at  the 
house.  Col.  Hathorn,  Mr.  Corwin,  Bro""  Sewall,  were  there 
from  Salem.  Councillors  had  Rings,  Ministers  Gloves, 
Mr.  Mather  and  Brattle  Scarfs  and  Rings :  so  had  the 
Bearers.  Cambridge  Burying  Place  is  handsomely  fenced 
in  with  boards,  which  has  not  been  done  above  a  Moneth 
or  6  weeks. 

Seventh-day,  Nov''  IV}  about  the  middle  of  the  night 
following,  my  dear  Sister  Hanah  Tappan  dies  of  a  Fever. 
Mr.  Addington  told  me  of  it  first  upon  Nov'*  13  in  the 
Council-Chamber,  from  Mr.  Gerrish  of  Wenham.  At  7. 
at  night  I  received  a  Letter  from  Bro''  Sewall  of  it,  and 
that  the  Funeral  is  to  be  the  14.  Our  notice  is  so  lame 
and  late,  that  I  persuade  Jane  to  stay  at  home,  it  being 
almost  impossible  to  get  thither  time  enough.  Besides  all 
this,  the  Court  at  Salem  keeps  me  there,  and  Bro'"  Sewall 
also.  We  had  liv'd  eight  of  us  together  Thirty  years ; 
and  were  wont  to  speak  of  it  (it  may  be  too  vainly).  But 
now  God  begins  to  part  us  apace.  Two  are  taken  away  in 
about  a  quarter  of  a  year's  time ;  And  me  thinks  now  my 
dear  Bro'"  and  Sister  are  laid  in  the  Grave,  I  am,  as  it 
were  laid  there  in  Proxy  —  The  Lord  help  me  to  carry  it 
more  suitably,  more  fruitfully,  toward  the  Five  remain- 
ing ;  and  put  me  in  a  preparedness  for  my  own  Dissolu* 
tion.     And  help  m^*  to  live  upon  Him  alone. 


506  DIAEY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  [1699. 

Fifth-day,  Nov"  the  last.  1699.  The  Rain  freezes  upon 
the  branches  of  the  Trees  to  that  thickness  and  weight, 
that  great  havock  is  thereby  made  of  the  Wood  and  Tim- 
ber. Many  young  and  strong  Trees  are  broken  off  in  the 
midst ;  and  multitudes  of  Boughs  rent  off.  Considerable 
hurt  is  done  in  Orchards.  Two  of  our  Apple-trees  are 
broken  down,  Unkles  Tree,  two  thirds  of  it,  are  broken 
down.  Peach  Trees  at  Mrs.  Moodeys  are  almost  all 
spoil'd.  And  my  little  Cedar  almost  quite  mortified. 
Some  think  the  Spoil  that  is  made  amounts  to  Thousands 
of  pounds.  How  suddenly  and  with  surprise  can  God 
destroy ! 

I  was  at  Capt.  Foster's  upon  the  29.  November,  and 
was  there  saying,  November  is  almost  out,  yet  we  dont 
know  what  may  hapen  before  tis  quite  out,  alluding  to 
the  drowning  of  Mr.  Eyres  Son  upon  the  30.  Nov''  96.  and 
Mr.  Maxwell. 

Sixth-day  Dec.  1.  Was  at  Mr.  Hillers  to  enquire  for 
my  wives  virginals :  ^  Mrs.  Sarah  Foster  came  to  the 
Door. 

Dec^  8.  1699.  Capt.  Tho.  Gullock  and  Col.  Paige  dine 
with  me.  Capt.  Gullock  told  of  800  French  Refugees 
being  settled  at  Cape  Bon  Sperance.  And  at  diner,  I  ob- 
jecting the  Inconvenience  that  w^ould  be  to  America,  if 
the  Dauphin  should  be  King  of  Spain :  He  answered, 
that  America  would  mine  him ;  For  New  Spain  would 
certainly  Revolt  &c. 

Dec-  9.  Mr.  Colman  visits  me  :  I  expostulat  with  him 
about  the  3"^  Article  in  the  Manifesto,^  that  had  shew'd  no 
more  Respect  to  N.  E.  Churches.  I  told  him  Christ  was 
a  Bride-Groom,  and  He  lov'd  to  have  his  Bride  comended. 


1  The  "  virginals  "  or  "  virginal  "  was  the  predecessor  of  the  spinnet  and 
harpsichord,  and  thus  of  the  modern  pianoforte.  — Eds. 

2  The  reference  is  to  the  "Manifesto,  or  Declaration,"  issued  by  the 
founders  of  the  Brattle  Street  Church,  justifying'  the  peculiar  principles  of 
their  organization.  —  Eds. 


1699.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  507 

Philomela^  would  have  found  out  some  words :  at  which 
he  sinil'd.  He  satisfied  me  as  to  Baptisme  and  said  the 
word  [Adopted]  was  left  out.  I  told  him  he  was  the 
more  in  danger,  and  had  need  to  be  more  upon  his  Guard ; 
lest  any  hard  sharp  words  he  had  met  with  should  tempt 
him  to  do  what  he  intended  not.  Warn'd  him  of  the 
Cross  in  Baptisme,  &c.  Said  he  was  of  our  mind.  Be- 
cause I  told  him  meerly  saying  Conform,  did  not  express 
such  an  Aprobation  of  the  N.  E.  way  as  I  desired :  Many 
in  England  conform'd  to  things  they  professedly  disliked. 

At  his  going  away,  I  told  him,  If  God  should  please  by 
them  to  hold  forth  any  Light  that  had  not  been  seen  or 
entertain'd  before  ;  I  should  be  so  far  from  envying  it, 
that  I  should  rejoice  in  it :  which  he  was  much  affected 
with. 

Thorsday,  Dec-  14.  Lay  abed  all  day  and  took  Physick 
for  the  Ague  in  my  face.  Mr.  Willard,  C.  Mather,  Fisk, 
Cheever,  visit  me.  Mr.  Willard  prays.  Presently  after 
their  going  away,  I  had  ease,  and  was  Let  out  of  the 
Stocks.  Dec.  17.  Cold  day,  so  went  not  to  the  publick 
Worship.  Third-day,  Dec.  19.  My  Lord  Bellomont,  his 
Lady,  Madam  Nanfan,  din'd  with  us  in  the  New  Hall,  and 
with  them  Mr.  Cook,  Mr.  Secretary,  Mr.  Sergeant,  Mrs. 
Sergeant,  Major  Walley,  L*  Col.  Lynde,  L*  Col.  Townsend, 
Capt.  Dumer,  Mr.  Brumfield,  Mr.  Stoddard,  Mr.  Newton, 
Mr.  Jackson,  Mr.  Campbell,  who  with  Madam  Usher,  my 
wife  and  self,  make  just  19.  in  all.  Invited  that  were 
not  here,  L*  Gov"*,  Mr.  Oakes,  cous.  Savage,  Col.  Romer, 
Madam  Hamilton,  Madam  Shrimpton.  Sat  down  a  little 
before  Two,  and  Rose  about  Three.  It  hapened  to  be 
Catechising  day,  which  was  not  aware  of,  being  disapointed 
the   Wednesday  before,  which  intended,  by  Mr.  Eyre's 


^  Philomela  was  the  nom  de  plume  of  Elizabeth  (Singer)  Rowe,  whose 
poetry  delighted  the  pious  of  that  generation.  See  Turell's  Life  of  Dr.  Col- 
man,  pp.  35-40.  — Eds. 


508  DIARY    OF   SAMUEL    SEWALL. 

Treat ;  and  Friday  by  my  sickness.  So  miss'd  the  com- 
pany of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Willard.  Was  fain  my  self  to  crave 
a  Blessing  and  Return  Thanks.  I  left  off  my  Muffler  but 
this  day  and  yet  find  no  inconvenience,  Blessed  be  God. 
I  told  the  Gov''  of  the  Fort-fight  24  years  ago ;  and  a 
great  fight  in  France  Dec.  19.  1562  [at  Dreux]. 

^neas  Salter  went  to  Dorchester  for  me,  to  speak  to 
the  L*  Gov!"  I  had  invited  Him  my  self  against  the  day 
of  our  disapointment.^ 

Dec-  21.  1699.  Went  to  Lecture,  wearing  my  black 
cap."^ 

^  The  following  extracts  from  Boston  Town  Records,  Vol.  II.,  under  date 
of  Dec.  20,  1698,  are  worth  preservation  here:  — 

"  The  Distance  from  the  Southerly  Corner  of  the  New  School  House  at 
Cotton  Hill  to  the  northerly  corner  of  Capt.  Legg's  Land  is  fifty  five  foot; 
from  said  n'ly  corner  of  said  School  House  to  the  southerly  post  of  Capt 
Sewall's  gate,  being  the  Breadth  cross  the  highway,  is  fifty  three  foot,  four 
Inches ;  from  said  gate  post  to  the  south  easterly  end  of  the  School  House 
fence  neer  the  dore  of  said  School-house  is  forty  one  foot  and  a  halfe.  The 
Breadth  of  the  uper  high  way  between  M^  Coney  and  Belknap  on  the  one 
side  and  Capt.  Sewall's  land  on  the  other  side  is  seventeen  feet;  from  the 
Easterly  Corner  of  the  Schoolhouse  cross  the  high  way  to  the  north  westerly 
gate  post  of  the  house  late  of  Mr  Pirkis  is  thirty  six  foot ;  from  the  easterly 
corner  of  said  School  house  to  the  northerly  corner  of  the  Land  formerly 
belonging  to  M""  John  Mears,  deceased,  eleven  pole  and  one  foot:  from  said 
northerly  corner  cross  the  high  way  to  Capt  Bozoon  AUen's  Land  is  Twenty 
five  foot  and  a  halfe. 

"  The  above  said  distances  was,  at  the  request  of  Sam"  Sewall,  Esq',  meas- 
ured the  day  above  said. 

"p!me  Joseph  Prout." 

*'Jan'y30th.  1698-9.  At  a  meeting  of  the  Justices  and  Selectmen  of 
said  Town,  the  following  Order  was  past  at  the  motion  of  Sam"  Sewell,  Esqr. 
present  Elisha  Hutchinson,  Isaac  Adington,  John  Foster,  Peter  Sergeant, 
Pen  Townsend,  John  Eyre,  Edward  Bromfield,  justices,  Thomas  Walker, 
Obodi^  Gill,  Thomas  Hunt,  Isaiah  Tay,  John  Marion,  jun"",  Simeon  Stoddard, 
Selectmen.  It  was  then  ordered  by  the  Justices  and  Selectmen,  that  the 
School-house  lately  Built  in  the  Prison  Lane,  on  the  side  of  the  hill  over 
against  the  land  of  Capt.  Sam"  Sewell,  abide  and  remaine  as  it  is  now  fenced 
in ;  and  that  no  more  of  the  said  Hill  be  improved  by  Building  or  otherways 
Taken  in,  but  left  open  for  accomodation  of  the  street  or  high  way."  — Eds. 

2  Sewall  had  been  much  concerned  at  the  falling  off  of  his  hair,  which 
exposed  him  to  the  cold,  especially  in  the  meeting-house.  His  "  black  cap  " 
was  his  personal  rebuke  upon  periwigs.  —  Eds. 


1699.]  DIARY   OF   SAMUEL   SEWALL.  509 

Sabbath-day,  Dec-  24.  1699.  Mr.  Colman  and  his  So- 
ciety meet  in  the  New  Meeting  house,  this  being  the  first 
time.     Our  Meeting  was  pretty  much  thin'd  by  it. 

Dec.  28.  1699.  Mr.  Thacher  marrieth  Mrs.  Bayly: 
and  Mr.  Wells,  a  Taylor,  marries  cous.  Savage's  Eldest 
Daughter. 


' 


ERRATA. 

The  following  note  was  omitted  on  p.  33G:  — 

The  lines  in  Flavel's  sermon,  composed  by  Sewall,  are  as  follows:  [Com- 
munion with  God]  "is  the  centre  which  rests  the  motions  of  a  weary  soul; 
'tis  the  rest  and  refreshment  of  a  man's  spirit.  Psal.  116,  7.  Return  unto 
thy  rest,  0  my  soul.  When  we  attain  perfect  communion  with  God  in  heaven, 
we  attain  to  perfect  rest ;  and  all  the  rest  the  spirit  of  man  finds  on  earth  is 
found  in  communion  with  God.'*    Flavel's  Works,  11.  542.  — Eds. 


INDEX. 


INDEX. 


THIS    INDEX    DOES   NOT    CONTAIN   THE    NAMES    MENTIONED   IN   THE    INTRODUCTION 


A. 


Abbio,  128. 

Abbington,  247,  261,  301,  302,  303,  304, 
306. 

Abnev,  300. 

Acadia,  321,  336. 

Acrisse,  252. 

Adams,  3,  6,  10,  13,  32,  41,  43,  48, 68,  77, 
78,  85,  91,  92,  93,  183,  191,  258,  363, 
396. 

Addington,  67,  78,  90,  110,  117,  119,  130, 
132,  137,  138,  139,  176,  179,  182,  183, 
186,  195,  196,  214,  228,  230,  271,  309, 
310,  311,  313,  314,  316,  317,  323,  324, 
325,  326,  333,  338,  339,  345,  347,  349, 
352,  353,  357,  372,  378,  380,  381,  387, 
388,  389,  390,  392,  395,  406,  409,  410, 
411,  417,  426,  437,  441,  454,  457,  467, 
468,  469,  470,  485,  492,  502,  505,  508. 

Adkins,  125. 

Adonija,  99. 

Adrian,  51. 

Agus,  257. 

Air,  232. 

Albany,  17,  95,  225,  229,  310,  311,  320, 
323,  329,  391,  398,  430,  444. 

Albemarle,  Duke  of,  203,  204,  225. 

Alcob,  361. 

Alcock,  16,  17,  21,  23,  30,  38,  42,  52,  164, 
320,  378,  478. 

Alden,  29,  37, 190,  234, 334,  350,  358, 361, 
371,  379,  410,  421,  480. 

Alderton's  Point,  182. 

Alf  ord,  ,33,  78, 119, 125, 199, 286, 302, 389, 
411. 

Algate,  269,  271. 

Algier,  199,  375. 

AUare,  2:)2. 

Allen,  9,  37,  41,  43,  74,  76,  94,  112,  115, 
116,  121,  124,  139,  142,  143,  144,  152, 
159, 162,  169,  179,  182,  190,  192,  199, 
202,  211,  212,  214,  224,  228,  232,  236, 
250,  258,  271,  278,  311,  317,  321,  324, 
330,  331,  333,  337,  338,  339,  .341,  344, 
345,  347,  349,  352,  358,  362,  36^3,  369, 
374.  382,  385,  386,  400,  407,  410,  412, 
417,  418,  422,  433,  441,  456,  462,  464, 
470,  474,  477,  480,  484,  485,  508. 


Allerton,  182. 

Allertree,  307. 

Allibone,  497. 

AUin,  31,  32,  34,  88,  102,  105,  130,  169, 
214,  432,  491. 

Alinsbury,  172,  297,  335. 

Alsop,  102,  109,  250,  257,  259. 

America,  58,  116, 152, 174, 230, 235,  236, 
262,  271,  273,  277,  374,  434,  437,  506. 

Ames,  36, 196,  407,  429. 

Amesbury,  7. 

Amsden,  419. 

Amsterdam,  198,  226. 

Anderson,  24,  25,  42,  43,  432. 

Andover,  7,  190,  471. 

Andrews,  190,  258. 

Andros,  98,  141,  143,  148,  150,  153,  155, 
159,  161,  163,  165,  169,  174,  175,  183, 
192,  193,  194,  195,  200,  202,  203,  209, 
218,  231,  254,  255,  256,  261,  263,  266, 
309,  311,  333,  350,  360,  379,  430,  470. 

Anger,  173,  228. 

Angier,  54. 

Annapolis,  321. 

Annesly,  250,  253,  257,  468. 

Antego,  116,  156,  176. 

Apple-Island,  316. 

Appleton,  77,  132, 133,  137, 158, 189, 190, 
197,  206,  255,  256,  266,  267,  271,  308, 
361,  378,  406,  427,  453,  504. 

Archdell,  402,  403. 

Argyle,  90,  93,  97. 

Arnold,  322,  501. 

Asbud,  335. 

Asgood,  335. 

Ashley,  299. 

Ashurst,  225,  269,  356,  379, 393,  394, 481 
502. 

Ashwood,  291. 

Asia,  498. 

Atherton,  420. 

Atkins,  255,  389. 

Atkinson,  469. 

Attleborough,  194,  304. 

Atwater,  13,  55,  211,  356. 

Atwell,  258,  266. 

Atwood,  202,  208,  214. 

Audley,  261. 

Auger,  318. 


514 


INDEX. 


Avery,  23,  161,  170,  171,  176,  213,  236, 

252,  317. 
Ayles,  227. 
Avres,  33. 


B. 


Baal,  19. 

Babcock,  411. 

Baddesley,  8,  250,  294,  296. 

Bagshet,  300. 

Bahama,  404. 

Baily,  7,  331,  443,  448,  452,  462. 

Bairsto,  69,  191,  210,  422,  469,  472,  479. 

Baker,  5.3,  119,  149,  151,  159,  208,  224, 

285,  406. 
Balchar,  346. 

Ballard,  145,  154,  214,  170,  419. 
Ballentine,  421. 
Ballyfin,  477. 
Balston,  53,  88,  121,  147,  148,  234,  465, 

469. 
Bambazeen,  404. 
Banister,  74,  87,  313,  333,  341,  348,  350, 

414,  502. 
Bant,  249,  250,  254,  272,  273,  356,  374, 

485. 
Barbados,  71,  82, 94, 97, 174, 213, 241, 348, 

388,  401,  40.3,  431,  474,  485. 
Barber,  193,  459,  495. 
Barbut,  292. 
Barkers,  450,  472. 
Barlow,  303. 
Barmudas,  343,  350. 

Barnard,  89,  122,  199,  302,  335,  379,  385. 
Barnfield,  305. 
Barns,  96,  122,  176,  474. 
Barnstable,  199,  326,  439. 
Barret,  2,  4,  49,  230,  286,  302. 
Barrington,  104. 
Bartholomew,  370. 
Barton,  299. 
Barwick,  296. 
Basset,  292. 
Bath,  209,  254. 

Batters,  5,  7,  90,  249,  250,  300. 
Battersea,  65. 
Baxter,  124,  150,  212,  238,  239,  434, 

467. 
Bayard,  343. 
Bay  ley,  61,  67,  72, 82,  93,  94,  96, 117, 

332,  139,  145,  152,  153,  154,  178, 

184,  198,  221,  230,  233,  320,  346, 

352,  363,  369,  382,  390,  410,  411, 

465,  466,  509. 
Beachey,  246. 
Beacon  Hill,  60. 
Beal,  208. 
Beamont,  299. 
Bean,  256. 
Bearstow,  3-32,  366. 
Beck,  252,  301. 
Bedford,  258,  275,  276. 
Belcher,  35,  50,  119,  120,  192,  220,  229, 

308.  387,  423,  438,  439,  451,  459,  460, 


459. 


128, 
182, 
349, 
412, 


464,  465,  468,  475,  480,  486.  487,  496, 

498. 
Belgrade,  227. 
Belknap,  341,  398,  508. 
Bell,  63. 
Bellingham,  59,  60,  61,  62,  70,  75,  438, 

442,  469,  479. 
Bellomont,  Earl  of,  203,   395,  411,  413, 

430,  476.  477,  495,  497,  499,  500,  507. 
Bemis,  94, 
Bendal,  13,  60,  61. 

Bennett,  204,  287, 288,  320,  390,  391,  467. 
Bernard,  53,  295. 
Bernon,  292. 
Berries,  428. 
Berry,  50,  104. 
Berwick,  269. 
Beucamp,  304. 
Beverlv,  282,  464. 
Bigelow,  100,  101,  377. 
Bignell,  149. 
Bilbao,  156,  229,  231. 
Biles,  295. 
Bill,  214,  475. 

Billinges,  318,  319,  320,  412,  459,  502. 
Billingsgate,  271. 
Bird  Island,  472. 
Birge,  112. 
Biscon,  292. 
Bishop,  126,  149,  150. 
Bishop-Stoke,  262,  300,  473. 
Bissitree,  149. 
Blackpoint,  24. 
Blackstone,  73. 
Blackstone's  Point,  186. 
Blackwall,  268. 
Blackwell,  77,  82,  94,  95,  116,  132,  150, 

152,  215,  271,  323. 
Blagge,  315. 
Blagrove,  484. 
Blake,  49,  179,  208. 
Blathwayt,  69,  255,  430. 
Blaxton,  112. 
Bligh,  193,  330. 
Blisland,  156. 
Blocket,  .386. 
Block  Island,  319,  501. 
Block  Island  Harry,  502. 
Bloody  Point,  188. 
Blower,  262,  304,  305. 
Blowers,  72. 
Blush,  214. 
Bodicot,  304. 
Bogle,  53. 
Bohemia,  192. 
Bolt,  127. 

Bolton,  Duke  of,  275. 
Bond,  71,  77,  82,  95,  96,  371,  377,  416. 
Bondet,  348. 
Bonner,  74. 
Boon,  32. 

Bordman,  67,  182,  224. 
Borland,  65,  341,  413,  468,  488,  496,  497. 
Boroughs,  106,  233. 
Boston,  1,  3,  5,  6,  7,  15,  24, 25, 27,  28,  49, 

50,  52,  54,  56,  57,  58,  59,  62,  65,  m,  69, 


INDEX. 


515 


70,  73,  75,  79,  84,  86,  88,  90,  103, 104, 
108,  112,  113,  115,  119,  121,  122,  127, 
130,  133,  135,  136,  138,  140,  143,  144, 

145,  147,  149,  151,  154,  158,  160,  161, 
163,  166,  167,  169,  170,  171,  174,  179, 
180,  187,  192,  196,  198,  203,  209,  215, 
219,  220,  221,  222,  224,  225,  227,  229, 

231.  237,  251,  252,  254,  255,  261,  262, 
264,  266,  268,  269,  282,  284,  285,  286, 
291,  292,  293,  308,  310,  312,  313,  316. 
317,  320,  324,  325,  330,  333,  334,  340, 
342,  350,  351,  352,  354,  355,  356,  361, 
362,  366,  375,  378,  382,  383,  391,  401, 
411,  413,  430,  432,  433,  439,  440,  442, 
452,  455,  456,  460,  461,  463,  467,  470, 
478,  487,  490,  493,  496,  497,  502,  508. 

Bowditch,  60,  61,  62,  63,  72,  73,  231. 

Bowen,  203. 

Bowld,  49. 

Bowles,  5,  93,  178,  192,  342. 

Bourns,  26. 

Brackenbury,  21,  22,  23,  24,  35,  43,  48. 

Bracket,  73,  232. 

Bradford.  14,  358,  378,  406,  416,  426, 
454,  463. 

Bradish,  159,  495,  498,  503. 

Bradly,  8. 

Bradstreet,  32,  48,  66,  69,  72,  74,  75,  82, 
113,  116,  132,  142,  152,  158,  159,  162, 
174,  179,  186,  190,  203,  214,  216,  228, 

232,  269,  270,  308,  311,  313,  315,  332, 

335,  336,  338,  356,  357,  367,  369,  372, 
375,  376,  378,  381,  402,  409,  412,  413, 
436,  439,  448,  450,  454,  457,  466,  469, 
471,  476,  477. 

Braintree,   12,   31,  25,  27,  50,  104,  128, 

146,  154,  169,  187,  191,  211,  323,  324, 

336,  354,  355,  396,  412,  430,  435,  455, 
458,  465,  475,  503,  504. 

Braman,  186. 

Brandon,  53. 

Branning,  284. 

Brattle,  32,  33,  34,  37,  50,  56,  57,  154, 
196,  202,  225,  247,  248,  252,  255,  257, 
264,  267,  268,  271,  272,  273,  274,  275, 
276,  280,  287,  288,  289,  290,  291,  311, 
327,  338,  390,  391,  413,  425,  427,  438, 
454,  462,  465,  466,  477,  482,  485,  605. 

Bray,  301. 

Brazer,  160. 

Breading,  268. 

Bream,  341. 

Break,  62. 

Brenton,  340,  356,  386,  394,  475,  502. 

Brest,  350. 

Brewer,  373. 

Brewster,  182. 

Briant,  304,  305. 

Brice,  301. 

Bridge,  493,  504. 

Bridgliam,  48,  121,  199,  219,  337,  852, 
358,  375,  382,  388,  417,  456,  462,  463, 
464. 

Bridgman,  38,  203. 

Bridgewater,  412. 

Briggs,  501. 


Bright,  153. 

Brightraan,  153. 

Brighton,  147. 

Brill,  149. 

Brindley,  77. 

Brinley,  292. 

Brinsmead,  68,  85,  338,  346,  359,  455, 

478. 
Brisco,  54,  159,  166,  417. 
Bristol,  148,  172,  356,  484, 
Bristow,  88,  153,  194,  212,  227,  229,  244, 

249,  254,  257,  318,  319,  329,  380,  412, 

459,  478,  501,  502,  505. 
Broadling,  8. 
Broadstreet,  56. 
Brock,  177,  185,  217. 
Brockherst,  438. 
Brocklebank,  12. 
Brodlands,  8. 
Bromfield,  125,  220,  234,  298,  302,  308, 

346,  358,  367,  407,  425,  448,  449,  451, 

469,  479,  480,  491,  496,  508. 
Bronsdon,  228. 
Brookhaven,  263. 
Brooking,  222,  227. 
Brookline,  56,  180,  318,  422. 
Brooks,  304,  306,  316. 
Broughton,  20,  24,  31,  166,  187,  188,  189, 

326,  468,  469. 
Brown,  11,  16, 20,  51,  66,  78,  89,  94,  101, 

116,  132,  164,  169,  185,  191,  192,  200, 

201,  227,  230,  235,  249,  296,  333,  340, 

356,  358,  370,  378,  386,  387,  436,  437, 

451,  454,  458,  461,  479,  481,  483,  492. 
Browning,  161,  309,  390,  395,  406,  414, 

426. 
Brurafield,  507. 
Brunning,  122. 
Brunton,  270. 
Bryant,  262. 

Buckley,  16,  96, 156,  337. 
Bucknam,  436. 
Bucks,  149,  309,  403. 
Buda,  156. 
Bugsby,  268. 
Bulfinch,  61,  64,  65. 
Bulkley,  48,  66,  70,  78,  82,  93,  132,  137, 

139,  162,  215,  418. 
Bull,  53,  55,  102,  119,  172,  173,  319,  342, 

346,  350,  385. 
Bullivant,  87,  209,  236,  147,  168,  172, 

176,  196,  201,  214,  215,  429,  436,  486. 
Bumstead,  167. 
Burbenk,  347. 
Burfort,  259. 
Burgess,  46,  53. 
Burgoyne,  447. 
Burke,  252. 
Burlington,  51. 
Burr,  457. 
Burroughs,  106,  233,  340,  863,  431,  456l 

479. 
Burton,  356. 
Busby,  170,  171,  252. 
Bushnell,  111. 
Bushnet,  295. 


516 


INDEX. 


Bussledon,  299. 

Butcher,  417. 

Butler,  2,  21,  85,  111,  119,  127,  154,  306, 

414,  436. 
Byfield,  153,  163,  261,  318,  319,  338,  390, 

391,  413,  425,  436,  439,  440,  441,  454, 

456,  457,  468,  472,  479,  484,  493,  496, 

497,  498. 


c. 


Calaray,  213. 

Calef,  221. 

Calvin,  258,  283. 

Cambridge,  2,  4,  5,  9,  14,  15,  17,  33,  35, 
51,  67,  m,  71,  82,  84, 85,  95,  98,  99, 104, 
119,  120,  127,  135,  144,  146,  147,  151, 
153,  157,  158,  167,  171,  178,  181,  198, 
206,  225,  228,  230,  232,  253,  259,  260, 
261,  307,  323,  324,  325,  329,  347,  351, 
353,  362,  363,  367,  371,  376,  379,  396, 
408,  409,  419,  422,  435,  436,  438,  439, 
447,  450,  451,  455,  464,  476,  479,  482, 
487,  493,  505. 

<:ampbell,  105,  507. 

Cana,  46. 

Canada,  325,  334,  348,  356,  459. 

Canaries,  245. 

Canonicus,  15,  21,  22. 

Canonicut,  501. 

Canon  Squaw,  23. 

Canterbury,  52,  247,  272,  293,  398. 

Cape  Anne,  431. 

Cape  Cod,  324,  356. 

Cape  Bon  Sperance,  506. 

Capen,  432. 

Car,  87. 

Card,  356. 

Carolina,  96,  97,  98,  116,  402,  403,  503. 

Carpax,  306. 

Carpenter,  389. 

Carrier,  363. 

Carter,  116,  217,  468,  469. 

Carwithen,  193. 

Cary,  203,  362,  412. 

Caryl,  43,  226. 

Casco,  317,  320,  321. 

Casco  Bay,  55. 

Cassal,  413. 

Castle  Island,  147. 

Causey,  158. 

Cave,  301,  303. 

Caysly,  1. 

Ceylon,  498. 

Chambers,  168. 

Champney,  158. 

Chany,  198,  352. 

Chapin,  145. 

Chapman,  301. 

Charlestown,  9,  12, 28,  34, 43,  81,  82, 108, 
115,  132,  136,  140,  151,  155,  158,  166, 
170,  178,  179,  183,  186,  189,  198,  199, 
209,  210,  213,  216,  223,  225,  227,  231, 
233,  310,  311,  321,  325,  330,  333,  338, 
342,  343,  347,  349,  356,  360,  373,  397, 


409,  411,  436,  446,  447,  449,  450,  453. 
454,  457,  458,  460,  462,  466,  468,  471^ 
478,  482,  503. 

Chase,  53. 

Chatham,  247,  272. 

Chauncy,  4,  46,  103,  115,  144,  247,  282, 
435,  483. 

Cheapside,  8,  269. 

Checkley,  57,  94,  95,  122,  142,  168,  233, 
337,  358,  373,  374,  399,  409,  415,  421, 
422,  448,  451. 

Cheeshahteaumuck,  480. 

Chelmsford,  95,  418. 

Chelsea,  130,  270. 

Chester,  329. 

Cheyny,  6,  343. 

Chichester,  19,  255. 

Chickery,  15. 

Chickly,  78,  123. 

Chiever,  89,  96,  121,  127,  130,  151,  179, 
195,  272,  363,  369,  374,  387,  411,  417, 
421,  443,  451,  468,  507. 

Childs,  459,  501. 

Chilmark,  296. 

Chip,  486. 

Chipman,  210. 

Chipping  Wycomb,  403. 

Chirurgeon,  290. 

Chiswell,  261. 

Chubb,  433,  471. 

Church,  203,  412. 

Clapham,  254. 

Clapp,  33, 119, 124, 125, 152, 154, 208, 339, 
340,  501,  502. 

Claridge,  305. 

Clark,  2,  15,  18,  19,  24,  38,  48,  49,  50,  53, 
54,  55,  67,  75,  78,  88,  96,  122,  144,  145, 
154,  156,  165,  172,  184,  200,  222,  228, 
230,  233,  2.34,  235,  236,  237,  2.38,  240, 
243,  244,  255,  277,  279,  286,  287,  288, 
289,  317,  329,  331,  338,  339,  341,  346, 
374,  386,  389,  399,  436,  438,  456,  465, 

471,  478,  501,  502. 
Clements,  349. 
Clempson,  303. 
Clendon,  158. 
Cliffe,  284,  305,  485. 
Clifford,  328. 
Clinton,  447. 
Clutterbuck,  97,  158. 
Cobbet,  66,  103. 
Coffin,  144,  332,  458. 
Coggan,  60,  170. 
Colbron,  109,  179,  207. 

Cole,  39,  135,  202,  226,  230,  233, 410, 465, 

472,  473. 
Coleborn,  1. 
Colebrook,  301. 
Collicot,  17,  144. 
Collier,  25. 

Collins,  85,  201,  433,  462,  469. 

CoUucott,  354. 

Colman,  149,  339,  341,  390,  399,  506,507. 

509. 
Colton,  381. 
Combs,  158. 


INDEX. 


517 


Concord,  21,  215,  227,  320,  418,  435. 

Condey,  90,  93,  348. 

Coney,  214,  232,  508. 

Connecticut,  78,  195,  215,  315,  317,  318, 
352,  418,  459. 

Conney,  324,  327. 

Converse,  320,  358,  377. 

Cookam,  301. 

Cooke,  60,  72,  77,  91, 93, 99, 117, 118, 124, 
128,  132,  137,  139,  146,  162,  169,  171, 
179,  182,  186,  188,  189,  195,  205,  206, 
214,  232,  268,  303,  309,  333,  367,  369, 
372,  378,  379,  380,  382,  389,  391,  395, 
397,  398,  405,  406,  409,  410,  411,  412, 
413,  415,  417,  426,  429,  434,  435,  436, 
437,  443,  450,  451,  453,  454,  456,  457, 
462,  464,  466,  467,  468,  469,  470,  472, 

474,  482,  483,  484,  485,  489,  492,  495, 
500,  501,  505,  507. 

Cooper,  62,  63,  64,  65,  163,  268,  285,  318, 
348,  374,  384,  395,  396,  444,  474. 

Coote,  477. 

Corey,  364. 

Corlett,  168,  465 

CornhiU,  300. 

Cornish,  119,  211,  225,  302,  388,  395,  423. 

Cornwall,  71,  155,  269,  299,  275,  276. 

Corunna,  400. 

Corwin,  38,  323,  352,  359,  378,  387,  406, 
412,  426,  454,  505. 

Cottington,  296. 

Cotton,  59,  60,  61,  62,  63,  65,  67,  84,  87, 
95, 105, 134, 135, 147,  207,  233,  259,  324, 
326,  339,  437,  456,  460,  461,  472,  473, 

475,  503. 

Cotton  Hill,  377,  462. 

Coventry,  250,  262,  304,  315,  484. 

Coward,  309,  310. 

Cowell,  72,  73, 121, 122, 194, 317, 349, 397, 

442. 
Cox,  18,  71,  254. 
Crabtree,  355. 
Crafford,  284. 
Cragg,  21. 
Crane,  290,  336,  366. 
Cranes,  199. 
Cranfield,  50,  82. 
Cratey,  213. 
Craven,  192,  209. 
Creek,  346. 
Crick,  78. 
Crines,  159. 
Crisp,  349. 

Cromwell,  104,  170,  437. 
Croper,  261. 
Crossman,  264,  267. 
Crouch,  267. 
Crow,  503. 
Crowninshield,  108. 
Cruso,  464. 
Cry,  8. 
Cryer,  175. 
Cuba,  348. 
Cullimer,  387. 
Culpeper,  49. 
Cumby,  169. 


Cunable,  413. 
Curtis,  229,  231,  484. 
Cushing,  473,  486. 
Cushman,  450. 
Cutler,  301,  386. 
Cutts,  90. 


D. 

Daille,  491. 

Damon,  157. 

Dana,  316.  ^ 

Danford,  48,  492. 

Danforth,  4,  6,  39,  48,  54,  66,  67,  77, 
115,  117,  132,  142,  144,  155,  162, 
171,  178,  204,  215,  217,  228,  232, 
311,  321,  322,  332,  336,  346,  348, 
369,  370,  371,  378,  379,  380,  387, 
390,  395,  405,  406,  409,  411,  412, 
419,  433,  435,  436,  437,  438,  450, 
454,  459,  464,  467,  468,  469,  478, 
489,  492,  496,  504,  505. 

Darien,  496. 

Dartford,  247. 

Dartmouth,  130,  268,  269. 

Dashwood,  255. 

Dassett,  380. 

Dassitt,  1,  75. 

Dauche,  252. 

Dauson,  250,  252,  301,  302,  303. 

Davenant,  296. 

Davenport,  40,  42,  147,  181,  438. 

David  Indian,  76. 

Davie,  48,  77,  91,  95,  117,  129,  132, 
143,  171,  174,  184,  186. 

Davies,  358. 

Davis,  13,  29,  34,  35,  60,  62,  92,  94 
143,  158,  162,  164,  168,  171,  182, 
202,  207.  208,  236,  303,  327,  328, 
335,  378,  386,  408,  442,  448,  470, 
486. 

Davy,  61. 

Daw,  401,  417. 

Daws,  214. 

Deal,  272,  273,  274. 

Dean,  30,  32,  60,  72,  73,  292. 

Dear  Island,  223,  231,  316,  499. 

Dedham,  15,  52,  75,  96,  120,  172, 
319,  387,  459,  478,  502. 

Dedington,  304. 

Deerfield,  495. 

Dell,  37. 

De  Foe,  156. 

Den,  7. 

Denman,  294. 

Dennison,  48,  178,  225,  353,  354,  411 

Deptford,  252. 

Deputy,  137. 

Derefield,  154,  483. 

Dering,  158,  185,  338,  489. 

De  Vaux,  292. 

Deving,  78. 

Devonshire,  276. 

Dexter,  26. 

Dinsdale,  159. 


104, 
163, 
234, 

367, 
389, 
415, 
451, 

484, 


137, 


,95, 
190, 
329, 

485. 


221, 


518 


INDEX. 


Dixie,  341. 

D/La  Roy,  317. 

Doane,  65. 

Dobbin,  392,  393. 

Dockwra,  363. 

Dod,  33,  482. 

Doel,  7,  205,  397. 

Doleberrv,  99,  356. 

Dongan,  213. 

Donnell,  378.  387. 

Dorchester,  32,  41,  46,  48,  49,  59,  83,  91, 
112,  117,  125,  137,  144,  154,  163,  180, 
188,  194,  201,  210,  232,  266,  315,  317, 
329,  330,  332,  335,  345,  348,  368,  376, 
411,  435,  437,  461,  492,  500,  504, 
508. 

Dormer,  149. 

Dotev,  .311. 

Dover,  246,  252,  274,  293,  308. 

Down,  479. 

Downe,  27,  28,  187,  206. 

Downing,  26,  74. 

Dowse,  202. 

Dracot,  276. 

Drake,  60,  62,  221,  276,  291,  453. 

Draper,  145,  163,  199,  381. 

Dreux,  508. 

Driver,  8. 

Dry,  292. 

Dubois,  247. 

Dudlev,  32,  34,  48,  50,  66,  69,  70,  75,  76, 
77,  78,  81,  82,  83,  85,  87,  90,  91,  93,  95, 
96,  99, 100, 101,  106,  107,  117,  118,  119, 
121,  124,  126,  129,  132,  1-33,  134,  137, 
138,  142,  163,  165,  174,  177,  181,  186, 
188,  190,  194,  196,  197,  198,  203,  206, 
212,  215,  216,  231,  232,  233,  304,  308, 
312,  340,  352,  369,  371,  374,  375,  378, 
379,  387,  394,  395,  404,  415,  438,  439, 
455,  467,  489,  492. 

Duer,  .341. 

Dugdale,  484. 

Dull,  21. 

Dumenee,  278,  279,  280. 

Dummer,  3,  6,  7,  14,  18,  19,  20,  33,  85, 
88,  90,  91,  94,  96,  97,  98,  114,  119,  121, 
134,  143,  168,  184,  189,  228,  231,  233, 
249.  250,  252,  253,  257,  258,  261,  270, 
273,  287,  295,  298,  299,  .300,  302,  308, 
311,  321,  327,  341,  344,  349,  354,  358, 
375,  384,  .391,  412,  413,  414,  418,  419, 
425,  439,  485,  507. 

Dun,  309. 

Duncan,  163. 

Dunch,  252. 

Dunches,  301. 

Dunfrey,  270. 

Dun  scan,  185. 

Dunkirk,  374. 

Dunstable,  112,  233. 

Dun  ton,  58,  60,  73,  86,  89,  97,  126,  324, 
430,  452,  461. 

Du  Peyster,  319. 

Durnford,  297. 

Dustin,  452,  453. 

Duxbury,  309,  362,  473. 


Dwight.  15,  16,  17,  24,  52,  53,  354. 
Dyer,  378,  386,  470,  495. 


E 


Eames,  21. 

Earl,  501. 

East,  74,  170,  171. 

East  Boston,  117,  151,  424. 

Eastham,  324,  325,  328. 

East  Indies,  53. 

East  Jersey,  220. 

Eastman,  159. 

Eaton,  13,  254. 

Edgeremet,  334. 

Edinburg,  428. 

Edmunds,  13. 

Edsal,  318. 

Edwards,  45,  275,  276, 277, 278,  279,  280, 
287,  288,  290,  295,  299,  434. 

Elatson,  398. 

Eldridge,  91,  124,  226,  390. 

Eliot,  16,  37,  52,  69,  75,  76,  78,  81,  91,  93, 
94,  109,  118,  120,  121,  122,  126,  130, 
140,  142,  147,  153,  154,  157,  158,  161, 
165,  169,  170,  171,  172,  173,  179,  180, 
181,  184,  186,  187,  188,  192,  194,  196, 
197,  206,  212,  21.3,  215,  230,  2.32,  233, 
312,  319,  320,  321,  322,  326,  331,  332, 
333,  334,  335,  337,  338,  345,  348,  351, 
352,  356,  363,  367,  369,  382,  421,  425, 
467,  474,  475,  490. 

Elizabeth  Island,  366. 

Elkins,  36,  269. 

EUeston,  233. 

Ellis,  40,  53,  328,  408,  494. 

Elliston,  369. 

Eltham,  305. 

Emery,  397. 

Emes,  125. 

Emmerson,  324,  350,  379,  422,  437. 

Emms,  181,  211,  305,  389,  422. 

Emons,  236,  323,  330,  340. 

Endicott,  60,  147. 

Enfield,  257. 

England,  6,  7,  8,  20,  51,  52,  53,  65,  71,  87, 
93,  102,  104,  108,  120,  130,  1.32,  142, 
147,  149,  152,  156,  158,  168,  170,  174, 
175,  178,  179,  186,  197,  198,  204,  209, 
218,  219,  224,  225,  227,  228,  229,  231, 
233,  2.35,  236,  241,  242,  245,  247,  251, 
254,  262,  285,  288,  292,  293,  294,  309, 
315,  316,  324,  341,  344,  386,  389,  391, 
392,  394,  398,  400,  402,  415,  428,  430, 
431,  4.32,  4.34,  442,  444,  447,  479,  480, 
481,  484,  490,  491,  493,  496,  507. 

Engs,  74. 

Ephraim,  315. 

Epping,  307. 

Epps,  4,  91,  1.32,  135,  308,  406. 

Erving,  63,  64,  65. 

Essex,  307,  359,  373,  416. 

Estabrooks,  68,  89,  337,  435. 

Europe,  336. 

Eustace,  442. 


INDEX. 


519 


Evans,  54,  228,  ^33. 

Everenden,  41,  208. 

Eyre,  103,  121,  122,  182,  210,  228,  327, 
3:38,  342,  345,  356,  358,  385,  425,  438, 
439,  448,  449,  451,  455,  456,  457,  469, 
479,  482,  487,  488,  496,  506,  507,  508. 


Faild,  1.3,  52, 

Fairfield,  475. 

Faith,  159. 

Fales,  52. 

Falmouth,  403,  413. 

Fance,  473. 

Faneuil,  61,  62,  63,  64,  65,  291. 

Fanevill,  281,  345. 

Faiiiievol,  279,  291. 

Faream,  299. 

Farmington,  464. 

Farnum,  268,  300. 

Farwell,  213,  216,  234. 

Faxon,  128. 

Faverwether,  67,  124,  169,  208,  211,  214, 

221,  235,  316,  438,  457,  488. 
Faymouth,  270,  493. 
Feaver,  8. 
Felix,  385. 
Fellows,  35,  259. 
Felt,  332,  406. 
Fessenden,  3,   5,  6,  50,  51,  52,  98,  115, 

118,  198,  272,  293,  363,  364. 
Fields,  253. 

Fifield,  97,  222,  398,  432. 
Fisk,  17,  .32, 68, 87, 154, 173, 178, 187,  217, 

321,  UQ,  366,  376,  387,  395,  436,  464, 

467,  475,  488,  507. 
Fitch,  352,  467,  482,  485. 
Flamsted,  252. 

Fiavell,  247,  256,  266,  273,  284,  312,  336. 
Flavel,  510. 
Fleet,  108. 
Fleming,  294. 
Fletcher,  362. 
Flint,  24,  32,  33,  40,  46,  67,  83,  169,  180, 

208,  .381,  411,  462. 
Flood,  123,  214. 
Flynt,  1,  53. 
Folkston,  274. 
Fones,  77. 
Fonthill,  296. 
Forkner,  306. 
Foster,  49,  50,  57,   108,  205,  341,  352, 

358,  375,  378,  381,  387,  388,  389,  390, 

391,  393,  398,  406,  409,  411,  426,  429, 

435,  453,  454,  456,  457,  470,  489,  491, 

492,  495,  502,  506,  508. 
Fosterling,  31. 
Fowler,  163. 
Fox,  29,  217,  435,  460. 
Foxcroft,  64,  65,  99,  133,  168,  184,  337, 

419,  469,  479,  480,  496,  504. 
Fov,  50,  93,  177,  196,  209,  219,  236,  268, 

269,  270,  356,  480,  493. 


Frame,  390. 

France,  130,  246,  255,  350,  356,  434,  444, 
457,  472,  492,  508. 

Francis,  61,  171,  386. 

Franklin,  252,  257,  498. 

Frary,  35,  36,  55,  58,  92,  102,  103,  117, 
121, 124,  125,  130,  136,  139,  147,  160, 
171,  172,  179,  187,  196,  197,  212,  213, 
214,  217,  226,  230,  317,  322,  326,  329, 
333,  334,  335,  337,  341,  342,  351,  352, 
367,  382,  414,  417,  420,  421,  425,  434, 
448,  459,  474,  477,  479,  480,  496. 

Freak,  10,  390. 

French,  128,  190,  250. 

Fritter,  298. 

Frontenac,  430. 

Frost,  378,  387,  426,  454,  456. 

Frothingham,  183. 

Fry,  302. 

Fryer,  312. 

Fuller,  153,  484. 

Funell,  292. 

Furbur,  31,  32. 


G. 


Gage,  436. 

Gales,  299,  302,  303. 

Galler,  298. 

Gallop,  309. 

Gallowav,  241. 

Gaily,  479. 

Ganson,  2. 

Garbrand,  301. 

Gard,  356. 

Gardener,  50,  55,  74,  78,  97,  98,  102,  107, 

118,  157,  162,  165,  194,  210,  225,  339, 

352,  353,  364. 
Garfield,  400. 
Garrett,  163. 
Gaskill,  391. 
Gates,  .32,  127,  150,  210,  225,  242,  332, 

363,  366,  472,  479. 
Gedney,  78,  132,  135,  137,  1.38,  142,  185, 

189,  195,  20.3,  227,  .333,  359,  361,  370, 

373,  378,  387,  395,  .396,  398,  406,  418, 

426,  4.33,  437,  451,  454,  461. 
Gee,  199, 234,  366,  468. 
Gendal,  229. 
Gent,  53. 

George,  141,  148,  149,  163. 
Germany,  472. 
Gerrish,   7,  43,   87,  94,   157,   170,   185, 

188,  189,  201,  227,  293,  310,  353,  397, 

396,  406,  414,  432,  448,  451,  452,  487, 

505. 
Gibbs,  44,  163,  190,  197,  234,  252,  460. 
Gibbons,  92,  207,  349,  457. 
Gibson,  459. 
Gidney,  66,  81,  144. 

Gilbert,  250,  257,  263,  303,  306,  315,  372. 
Giles,  205. 
Gilford,  59. 
Gill.   121,  202,  208,  324,  341,  358,  374, 

438,  474,  508. 


520 


INDEX. 


Gillam,  21,  24,  42,  43,  82,  98,  163,  192, 
224,  226,  230,  233,  356,  465. 

Gillingliam,  294,  296,  297,  302. 

Glasford,  497. 

Glastenbury,  302. 

Gleaner,  61. 

Glover,  1,  196,  236,  250,  434. 

Goble,  21,  22. 

Goddard,  54,  67,  101. 

Godfrey,  9. 

Goffe,  i70,  29.3,  479. 

Gold,  146,  317,  318. 

Gold  wire,  8,  250,  294,  295,  296,  299. 

Goodell,  415,  429. 

Goodenough,  227. 

Goodhue,  190. 

Gooding,  214,  250,  336. 

Goodridge,  11. 

Goodwin,  42, 250,  263,  303,  389,  452,  465, 
478. 

Gookin,  1,  23,  24,  26,  48,  50,  51,  68,  77, 
82,  84,  91,  132,  137,  142,  146,  150,  152, 
170,  171,  178,  208,  232,  234,  241,  322, 
336,  341,  346,  360,  362,  363,  377,  418. 

Goose,  53,  88,  107,  108,  109,  119,  120, 
131,  145,  167,  185,  196,  333,  377,  380, 
456. 

Gore,  180,  181. 

Gorges,  403. 

Goss,  10. 

Goulding,  20. 

Gourd,  2. 

Gourdin,  225. 

Governor's  Island,  472. 

Grace,  300. 

Grafford,  188,  422. 

Graften,  412. 

Grafton,  15,  224. 

Graham,  86,  216,  217,  218,  231. 

Grann,  105. 

Grant,  341. 

Graunt,  295. 

Graves,  12,  215,  397,  454. 

Grecian,  217. 

Greece,  472. 

Green,  15,  24,  50,  57,  60,  62,  65,  70,  90, 
122,  124,  162,  178,  222,  290,  311,  315, 
319,  324,  325,  341,  352,  436,  486,  502. 

Greenland,  343 

Greenleaf,  10,  70,  223,  335,  374. 

Greenough,  215,  335,  360,  369,  381. 

Greenwich,  248,  252,  253. 

Greenwood,  322,  405,  459. 

Gregory,  149,  343. 

Grevil,  304. 

Grew,  262,  304,  305. 

Grice,  339. 

Gridley,  445. 

Griffin,  72,  157,  309. 

Griggs,  214,  217. 

Grindal,  68. 

Groton,  146. 

Grove,  153. 

Grymes,  288. 

Guernsey,  174,  175 

Guile,  7. 


Guilford,  356,  369. 
Gulliver,  97 
Gullock,  506. 
Guy,  306. 


H. 


Habbakkuk,  140. 

Hackney,  250. 

Hadley,  84,  132,  483. 

Hahaton,  314. 

Hal,  291. 

Halberts,  413. 

Hale,  201,  282,  327,  346,  363,  451,  464 

Haley,  65. 

Hall,  48,  286,  306,  337. 

Hallam,  430. 

Hallawell,  267,  285,  375. 

Halsey,  214. 

Haman,  175,  176. 

Hamblin,  355. 

Hamilton,  176,  177,  198,  216,  507. 

Hamlen,  355,  356, 

Hammond,  48,  65,  82,  205,  333,  396,  454, 

498. 
Hampshire,  8,  132,  250,  273,  411. 
Hampton,  188,  189,  233,  254,  294,  405. 
Hancock,  464. 
Harfield,  271. 
Harly,  251. 
Harr,  182. 
Harris,  57,  119,  159,  182,  200,  201,  237, 

332,  345,  436,  452,  495. 
Harrison.  145. 

Hartford,  142,  194,  292,  483,  491. 
Hartfordshire,  307. 
Harvard,  430,  432,  446,  447. 
Harwood,  253,  260. 
Hatch,  352,  431. 
Hatfield,  9,  14,  103,  483. 
Hathorn,  77,  132,  135,  137,  349,  352,  359, 

365,  370,  373,  378,  385,  387,  398,  406, 

426,  431,  437,  451,  454,  605. 
Hatsel,  249,  290. 
Hatten,  18,  20. 
Hatterworth,  298. 
Haugh,  48,  123,  313,  320,  333,  348,  420, 

448,  464,  481,  499. 
Haverel,  7. 

Haverill,  349,  373,  379,  388,  453. 
Hawkers,  262. 
Hawkins,  22,  23,  73,  169,  308,  310,  334, 

448. 
Hawthorn,  48,  185,  308, 322,  414. 
Hayden,  336. 
Hayes,  105. 
Hay  ward,  31,  33,  41,  102,  108,  141,  168, 

190,  196,  207,  208,  302,  357,  412. 
Hazard,  501. 
Head,  151. 
Heath,  310. 
Hedges,  318,  319. 
Heerbord,  2,  51. 
HeifEord,  252. 
Hely,  4. 


INDEX. 


521 


Heman,  378 
Hempsted,  318. 
Hemsted,  265. 

Henchman,  14,  16,  17,  24,  29,  32,  33, 
55,  83,  100,  325, 366,  374,  390,  472. 
Hendon,  296. 
Henly,  294. 
Henry,  16. 
Herridges,  317,  338. 
Hertel,  310. 
Hett,  77,  240,  390. 
Hew,  8. 

Hews,  337,  355. 
Hibbins,  109. 
Hickenbotham,  74. 
Higginson,  2,  89,  90,  94,  97, 140, 143, 

227,  249,  255,  258,  346,  365,  387, 
437,  451,  403,  464,  486,  498,  499. 

Highgate,  265. 

High  Lake,  329. 

Hilbon  Point,  188. 

Hill,  24,  34,  43,  50,  53,  78,  95,  111, 
114,  121,  149,  156,  164,  171,  176, 
184,  214,  215,  216,  295,  335,  336, 
341,  344,  358,  362,  367,  374,  383, 
401,  414,  417,  421,  448,  451,  463, 

Hillers,  463,  506. 

Hincks,  142. 

Hincksman,  14. 

Hingham,  25,  35,  52,  170,  185,  208, 
349,  399,  406. 

Hinkley,  110,  137, 138, 164, 187,  326, 

Hirst,  481,  502,  503. 

Hispaniola,  404,  4:36,  437. 

Hitchborn,  175,  346. 

Hitte,  48. 

Hoar,  3,  11,  28,  32,  72,  75,  104,  15-3, 
333,  365. 

Hobart,  3,  11,  13,  35,  41,  46,  52,  53, 
192,  321,  332,  .347,  351,  353,  362, 
366,  372,  381,  387,  391,  403,  406, 
455. 

Hobs,  189. 

Hockerred,  261. 

Hockevill,  307. 

Hoggevill,  307. 

Hog-Island,  172,  176,  181,  191,  195, 
210,  212,  213,  214,  217,  219,  220, 

228,  231,  2:34,  241,  366,  475,  498. 
Hogsden,  266. 

Holbrook,  14.5,  191. 

Holburn,  285,  ;300. 

Holland,  213,  22:3,  248,  304,  307, 480. 

Hollingsworth,  52,  128. 

HoUoway,  180. 

Holman,  54. 

Holms,  5.3. 

Holt,  6,  7,  255,  294,  296,  300,  302. 

Holyday,  .35. 

Holyoke,  147,  150,  151,   154,  341, 

421,  483. 
Homes,  498. 
Honywell,  228. 
Hooder,  302. 
Hook,  256,  378,  392,  395,  396,  397, 

406,  437 


41, 


185, 
415, 


113, 
179, 
3:38, 
400, 
467. 


347, 
378. 

182, 

131, 
363, 
419, 


208, 
221, 


374, 


Hooker,  258,  300,  464. 

Hooper,  21. 

Hopewood,  .315. 

Hord,  331,  :3:32. 

Horsey,  257. 

Horsman,  250,  252,  253,  259. 

Hotten,  71. 

Houghton,  90,  323,  357. 

Hounsel,  180. 

Hounslo,  301. 

How,  2,  :388. 

Howard,  52,  -59,  214,  216,  482. 

Howchin,  160,  380. 

Howell,  149. 

Howen,  5-3,  62,  109. 

Howlands,  501. 

Howlett,  52. 

Hovt,  4:32. 

Hubbard,  28,  32,  34,  41,  68,  89,  118,  143, 
146,  150,  187,  219,  225,  318,  405,  451, 
456,  489. 

Hudson,  55,  196. 

Hull,  1,  7,  17,  18,  20,  21,  22,  24,  30,  3.3, 
34,  52,  53,  54,  55,  56,  57,  58,  59,  60, 
61,  62,  6:3,  68,  70,  72,  76,  78,  85,  91, 
101,  106,  no,  112,  114,  115,  118,  122, 
125,  127,  131,  1:35,  i:36,  14:3,  144,  171, 
184,  192,  198,  204,  220,  221,  228,  235, 
2:36,  247,  249,  250,  251,  255,  256,  2-57, 
258,  259,  261,  263,  264,  265,  267,  271, 
272,  27:3,  274,  276,  277,  286,  287,  288, 
289,  290,  293,  294,  307,  322,  327,  328, 
3:32,  377,  392,  404,  408,  44-3,  502,  503. 

Humphrey,  32,  81,  85,  124,  129,  137, 
288. 

Hungary,  193,  227. 

Hungerford,  474. 

Hunt,  128,  149,  154,  187,  300,  -309,  385, 
467,  474,  503,  508. 

Hunting,  183,  198,  419. 

Hurd,  23,  40,  54,  .323,  377. 

Hutchins,  194,  307. 

Hutchinson,  1.3,  22,  28,  48,  55,  66,  67, 
77,  91,  9:3,  95,  110,  116,  117,  121,  124, 
125,  128,  132,  i:36,  137,  14:3,  147,  156, 
158,  160,  164,  165,  169,  186,  188,  196, 
197,  198,  205,  206,  211,  21:3,  214,  220, 
2:30,  2:34,  2:35,  250,  25:3,  255,  256,  257, 
261,  266,  267,  269,  271,  275,  284,  290, 
308,  311,  312,  31:3,  315,  316,  .321,  322, 
323,  324,  326,  3:30,  3:33,  :3;34,  3:35,  337, 
338,  340,  345,  349,  350,  352,  .355,  357, 
359,  .360,  361,  .362,  369,  378,  380,  381, 
382,  386,  394,  .395,  396,  398,  405,  406, 
409,  411,  426,  4:30,  4:3:3,  435,  439,  443, 
447,  451,  454,  456,  457,  465,  467,  468, 
470,  485,  489,  492,  495,  497,  500,  502, 
508. 


I. 


He  of  Wight,  119,  246. 
Indian  Mary,  108. 
IngersoU,  346. 
Ingram,  202. 


522 


INDEX. 


Ipswich,  12,  66,  67,  92,  136,  189,  190, 
205,  225,  287,  288,  343,  345,  360,  364, 
381,  385,  406,  409,  426,  451,  463,  461, 
478,  504. 

Ireland,  204,  244,  258,  267,  275,285,  291, 
321,  326,  329,  434,  477,  479. 

Ireson,  340. 

Islington,  265. 

Italy,  226,  398. 

Ive,  480,  482. 

Ives,  81,  134,  270,  271,  291,  411,  444. 


J. 


Jack  Negro,  50,  210. 

Jacobs,  25,  92,  275,  276,  277,  363. 

Jackson,  61,  65,  99,  318,  393,  455,  489, 

507. 
Jamaica,  96,  97,  104,  120,  203,  318,  328, 

337,  346,  362,  367,  437,  488. 
James,  65,  269,  285,  301. 
James  the  Printer,  14. 
James  squaw,  108. 
Jamison,  459. 
Jaques,  135. 
Jarvis,  294,  306,  336. 
Jeffrey,  62,  65. 
Jeffries,  104,  152,  481. 
Jekyll,  63. 
Jenkins,  104. 

Jenner,  119,  120,  158,  268. 
Jennings,  274,  275,  289,  290,  303,  367. 
Jerico,  318. 
Jersey,  8,  221. 
Jerusalem,  165,  340. 
Jesson,  53,  438. 
Jethro,  14,  22. 
Jewell,  207,  462. 
Jewett,  415,  416. 
John,  One-ey'd,  21,  22. 
Johnson,  3,  48,  50,  53,  66,  67,  77,  111, 

132,  137,  145,  186,  234,  268,  270,  308, 

309,  310,  338,  340,  345,  347,  349,  355, 

360,  380,  457. 
Jolls,  90,  100,  105. 
Jones,  27,  50. 
Jordan,  320. 
Joseph,  Indian,  124. 
Josselyn,  160,  197. 
Josson,  34,  53. 
Joy,  160. 
Joyliff,  37,  124,  125,  158,  169,  182,  195, 

213,  214,  217,  230,  317,  341,  354,  358, 

378  382 
Judd,'216,"383,  408,  444,  481,  490,  492. 
Judea,  165. 


K. 

Kates,  169. 

Kay,  77,  125,  178,  411. 

Keats,  53. 

Keayne,  160. 

Keech,  352. 


Kein,  111. 

Keith,  173,  219,  412. 

Kellond,  144,  167,  228. 

Kelly,  255. 

Kennedy,  63,  64. 

Kennet,  249. 

Kent,  252,  305,  343. 

Kentish,  257. 

Kerseyes,  21. 

Ketch,  401. 

Keyn,  146,  413. 

Kick,  262,  263,  267,  269. 

Kidder,  1. 

Kidlington,  304. 

Kiggin,  438. 

Kinderhook,  398. 

King,  53,  95,  262,  293,  305,  436,  478. 

Kingston,  63. 

Kinsman,  190. 

Kirby,  298. 

Kirk,  87,  132,  134. 

Kirkbridge,  298. 

Kitchin,  224. 

Kittery,  106,  396. 

Knacker,  74. 

Kneeland,  63. 

Knight,  220,  310. 

Knott,  48. 


L. 


La  Corogne,  400. 

Lake,  17,  37,  38,  259,  297,  302,  323,  470. 

Lamm,  273,  287. 

Lancaster,  337,  453,  459. 

Lander,  309. 

Lane,  122,  144,  145,  176,  199,  222. 

Langden,  330. 

Lapton,  303. 

Lap  worth,  305. 

Lardner,  272,  273. 

Larkin,  198,  208,  236. 

Lason,  249. 

Lathrop,  10,  11. 

Laurence,  335. 

Lausanne,  104. 

Lawrence,  267. 

Lawson,  49,  213,  217,  232,  253,  260,  268, 

271. 
Layfield,  249,  250,  267,  284,  285,  286. 
Leach,  213. 
Leadbeter,  295. 
Lechford,  160. 
Lee,  18,  20,  148,  149,  150,  152,  153,  154, 

159,  163,  165,  170,  172,  176,  226,  227, 

295,  298,  299,  302,  303,  305,  319,  346, 

356. 
Legare,  292. 
Legg,  159,  199,  235,  386,  390,  456,  468 

479,  496,  508. 
Leicester,  252,  304. 
Leicester,  Earl  of,  304. 
Leisler,  317,  319,  333,  342,  343,  345. 
Lenerson,  452,  453. 
Le  Strange,  259. 


INDEX. 


523 


Lethbridge,  306. 

Lensden,  285. 

Leverett,  48, 154,  159,  180,  181, 214,  286, 
326,  334,  352,  387,  437,  438,  451,  454, 
470,  478,  495. 

Lewis,  132,  156,  177,  268,  402,  406,  436. 

Liddal,  303. 

Lidget,  12,  13,  99,  143,  145,  150,  151, 
108,  174,  175,  184,  185,  186,  190,  194, 
201,  21.3,  234,  481. 

Lima,  211. 

Limerick,  452. 

Limington,  299. 

Lincoln,  49,  159,  303. 

Lindon,  53,  352. 

Lion,  488. 

Lisle,  71,  104. 

Litchfield,  351. 

Littel,  259,  260. 

Little,  7,  89,  386,  461,  472,  503. 

Little  Park,  149. 

Liverpool,  2,  246,  374. 

Lloyd,  60,  248,  271,  352,  382. 

Lobb,  270. 

Locke,  51,  198,  299,  402. 

Lockyer,  253. 

Lodowick,  391. 

Lodowisk,  318. 

London,  19,  45,  48,  61,  69,  70,  85,  90,  91, 
93,  98,  99,  104,  105,  118,  119,  131,  133, 
141,  148,  149,  154,  156,  160,  168,  175, 
192,  200,  202,  209,  213,  229,  231,  241, 
242,  243,  245,  250,  252,  255,  258,  261, 
262,  264,  271,  272,  274,  277,  288,  289, 
292,  293,  294,  296,  301,  304,  305,  306, 
307,  308,  332,  336,  347,  360,  375,  391, 
394,  403,  404,  410,  429,  431,  499,  503. 

Long,  16,  179. 

Longfellow,  114,  143,  157,  335,  343,  385, 
412,  448. 

Long  Island,  118,  379. 

Lopez,  231. 

Lord,  69,  70. 

Loree,  188. 

Lorie,  217,  227. 

Loring,  403. 

Lothrop,  361,  378,  406,  426,  454. 

Love,  188,  189. 

Loves,  265,  267. 

Lovie,  205. 

Lowe,  88,  403. 

Lowell,  65,  207. 

Lubenham,  252. 

Lummacks,  6. 

Lunt,  191,  343. 

Luscomb,  99,  121, 125, 138, 144,  167, 168, 
190,  21.3,  217. 

Lusher,  93. 

Luxemburg,  401,  403. 

Luxford,  348. 

Lyde,  202,  436. 

Lynde,  60,  64,  77,  95, 168,  175,  195,  196, 
216,  231,  358,  363,  371,  376,  378,  395, 
407,  427,  435,  451,  454,  469,  488,  507. 

Lvndon,  481. 

Lynn,  7,  118,  177,  352,  459. 


M. 

Macaulay,  247,  329,  389,  427,  497. 

Maccarta,  357. 

Maccartas,  326. 

Maccarty,  202,  396,  438,  469,  495. 

Macharta,  33. 

Madera,  401,  403. 

Madras,  499. 

Mahaton,  76. 

Maidenhead,  301. 

Maine,  33,  38,  85, 174, 189, 403,  426, 454. 

Maio,  208. 

Maiden,  130, 131,  222,  223,  347, 352,  436, 

449. 
MaHonipe,  22. 
Mallet,  501. 
Maltoonus,  15. 
Malyne,  374. 
Man,  68,  120,  220,  249,  349,  359,  484, 

504. 
Mann,  459. 
Manning,  6. 

Manton,  2-36,  237,  238,  242. 
Marblehead,  84,  213,  340,  357,  390,  400, 

431,  465,  479. 
March,  11,  413. 
Marcy,  239. 

Marion,  208,  222,  333,  350,  358,  474,  508. 

Mariot,  318. 

Marlborough,  12,  95, 194,  227,  352,  482, 
484. 

Marsh,  315. 

Marshal,  71,  74, 125,  143,  158,  224,  234, 
248,  324,  452. 

Martin,  150,  189. 

Martyn,  312. 

Mary  Land,  89,  134,  175,  317,  325. 

Maryon,  112,  374,  384,  414,  417  450, 
474. 

Mason,  37,  53,  54,  65,  72,  102,  138,  141, 
142,  187,  197,  205,  254,  284,  286,  330, 
331,  349,  357,  378,  389,  397,  498,  502. 

Mass,  108. 

Massachusetts,  174,  236,  291,  317,  368, 
404,  448,  462. 

Massachusetts  Bay,  182,  434,  440,  493. 

Massie,  183. 

Masters,  205. 

Martha's  Vineyard,  26,  29,  366. 

Mather,  4,  12,  28,  29,  30,  42,  46,  50,  58, 
59,  60,  71,  72,  75,  76,  81,  82,  85,  93, 
98,  99,  101,  104,  112,  115,  117,  119, 
122,  124,  126,  131,  135,  136,  1.39,  147, 
148,  149,  151,  152,  155,  159,  162,  164, 
169,  173,  176,  177,  178,  180,  181,  183, 
184,  186,  190,  197,  198,  200,  201,  203, 
204,  207,  208,  209,  210,  211,  216,  219, 
220,  221.  222,  224,  225,  226,  227,  228, 
229,  230,  231,  232,  235,  247,  250,  251, 
252,  253,  254,  256,  257,  259,  261,  263, 
264,  266,  267,  268,  269,  270,  271,  273, 
274,  279,  284,  286,  288,  290,  295,  301, 
307,  309,  311,  315,  320,  322,  324,  325, 
328,  330,  331,  332,  333,  338,  339,  342, 


524 


INDEX. 


344,  350,  351,  352,  356,  360,  363,  365, 
367,  369,  370,  372,  376,  379,  380,  384, 
393,  394,  396,  402,  408,  412,  420,  425, 
426,  427,  432,  436,  438,  439,  441,  442, 
452,  456,  457,  458,  461,  464,  465,  466, 
469,  474,  482,  486,  487,  488,  491,  493, 
494,  495,  500,  502,  505,  507. 

Matthews,  303. 

Mattoonuck,  501. 

Maud,  60,  61,  65. 

Maule,  414,  415,  416,  436. 

Maverick,  210. 

Maxfield,  391. 

Maxion,  341. 

Maxwell,  439,463,  506. 

Maylem,  167. 

Mayo,  3,  406. 

Meade,  58. 

Meadfield,  132,  150,  232,  485. 

Mears,  508. 

Meceha,  478. 

Medfield,  346,  347,  459. 

Meer,  296,  297,  302,  308,  313,  341,  393, 
397,  407,  433. 

Meere,  61. 

Mellows,  37. 

Melyen,  212,  315,  341,  431. 

Mendham,  13, 

Menoeticot,  12. 

Menval,  -336,  339. 

Mercy,  116. 

Merry,  274,  277,  280. 

Merry's  Point,  470. 

Messenger,  158. 

Metansis,  485. 

Mexico,  152,  462,  484. 

Mexico,  Bav  of,  485. 

Mico,  .341,  455,  457,  466,  490. 

Middlecot,  324,  338,  341,  378,  494. 

Middlesex,  65,  67,  178,  204,  325,  359. 

Middleton,  53,  71. 

Middletown,  122. 

Mighil,  21. 

Milbrook,  275,276. 

Milburn,  298,  345. 

Mile  End,  301. 

Miles,  403. 

Millard,  72. 

Miller,  72,  377,  4-39. 

Mills,  248,  282,  299,  326. 

Milton,  25,  97,  129,  381,  383,  402,  411, 
452. 

Mingo,  472. 

Minot,  163. 

Mirick,  144,  195. 

Mitchel,  181,  198,  241,  335,  399. 

Mitchelson,  348. 

Mompesson,  260. 

Monck,  212. 

Moncrife,  428. 

Monk,  89,  124,  138,  31.3,  373,  411,  461, 
497. 

Monmouth,  93,  97,  98,  104,  402. 

Montague,  265. 

Montgomery,  63,  64. 

Montier,  292. 


Montrath,  Earl  of,  477. 

Montserrat,  124. 

Moody,  7,  8,  9,  32,  41,  66,  68,  75,  76.  86, 
93,  97,  103,  104,  106,  113,  115,  116, 
121,  122,  124,  126,  139,  143,  144,  145, 
148,  150.  152,  155,  157,  159,  166,  168, 
172,  176,  180,  182,  184,  192,  193,  194, 
199,  207,  210,  212,  213,  215,  217,  220, 
222,  224,  227,  228,  229,  230,  2.32,  233, 
235,  270,  286,  302,  312,  315,  321,  .322, 
325,  331,  332,  336,  337,  338,  339,  34-3, 
344,  346,  347,  348,  349,  352,  353,  354, 
360,  361,  375,  376,  392,  397,  406,  411 
412,  414,  418,  423,  433,  456,  490,  491, 
506. 

Moore,  98,  249,  400. 

Moorfield,  73. 

Moors,  29. 

Morefields,  267. 

Morey,  501. 

Morgan,  97,  111,  116,  123,  124,  125,  126, 
151. 

Mors,  68. 

Morse,  35,  54,  191,  217. 

Morton,  145,  146,  152,  154,  155,  156,  166, 
178,  182,  186,  197,  217,  228,  268,  285, 
303,  321,  338,  343,  344,  345,  349,  352, 
363,  369,  370,  397,  419,  462,  433,  454, 
468,  471,  476,  477. 

Mosely,  48,  317. 

Mountford,  388. 

Mourfield,  63,  64. 

Muddy  River,  55,  56,  98,  127,  142,  165, 
180,  181,  207,  210,  332,  339,  353,  355, 
382,  470,  478,  479. 

Mudge,  108. 

Mugge,  24. 

Mulgrave,  204. 

Mumford,  191,  422. 

Murray,  263. 

Musgro,  335. 

Myles,  430,  490,  493. 

Mystick,  344. 


K 


Nahum,  13. 
Naictumbuit,  334. 
Namur,  413. 
Nanfan,  477,  499,  507. 
Nantasket,  182,  326,  327,  337,  442. 
Nantes,  130. 
Nantucket,  364. 
Naples,  398. 

Narraganset,  11,  14,  153,  475,  601. 
Nassacombewit,  404. 
Nash,  7,  157,  257,  495. 
Nason,  357. 
Natick,  314,  315. 

Neal,  45,  53,  153,  161,  446,  455,  488. 
Needham,  29,  36,  37,  43,  171,  223,  337. 
NefE,  452. 
Negus,  125. 

Nelson,  163,  168,  185,  212,  311,  337,  350 
411. 


INDEX. 


525 


Nemasit,  157. 

Neponset,  157,  208.  211,  221,  412,  495. 

Xerigawag,  404. 

Neuheusel,  105. 

Nevinson,  371. 

Nevis,  69,  387. 

New  Bristol,  148. 

Newburv,  1,  8,  12,  47,  50,  58,  66,  89,  98, 
135,  136,  143,  144,  177,  178,  184,  185, 
189,  204,  205,  215,  217,  219,  223,  224, 
226,  227,  229,  282,  284,  308,  329,  337, 
343,  347,  376,  383,  397,  399,  400,  405, 
406,  410,  412,  426,  432,  452,  453,  458, 
461,  470,  486,  500. 

New  Castle,  97,  444. 

New  England,  19,  79,  83,  89,  98, 122, 126, 
134,  148,  159,  160,  161,  174,  175,  179, 
194,  197,  198,  201,  204,  209,  211,  220, 
226,  229,  230,  231,  251,  256,  258,  262, 
263,  264,  266,  269,  270,  284,  286,  295, 
309,  .323,  343,  350,  356,  370,  383,  397, 
401,  403,  404,  418,  432,  433,  434,  452, 
465,  467,  488,  493. 

Newfoundland,  98,  224. 

Newgate,  195, 210, 212, 216, 217, 228, 240, 
246,  293. 

New  Hampshire,  174,  312. 

New  Haven,  229,  437. 

Newington,  257. 

Newington  Butts,  253. 

Newington  Green,  156. 

Newitchewannock,  392. 

New  Jerusalem,  58. 

New  London,  197,  222,  225,  325. 

Newman,  34,  54,  182,  208,  295,  327,  353, 
363,  398,  462,  466,  467,  489,  491. 

Newnam,  298. 

Newport,  153,  170,  318,  501. 

New  Roranev,  252. 

Newton,  95,  216,  362,  -366,  372,  381,  385, 
387,  .391,  398,  412,  454,  495,  501,  504, 
507. 

New  York,  81,  98,  150, 167, 173,  174, 21-3, 
219,  221,  222,  220,  229,  232,  270,  317, 
320,  322,  333,  342,  343,  344,  362,  415, 
416,  427,  430,  431,  476,  477,  478,  480, 
495,  496. 

Niche wanook,  205. 

Nichols,  127,  169. 

Nicholson,  177,  186,  200,  219,  222,  268, 
270,  321,  379. 

Nicoleb,  7. 

Niles,  501,  502. 

Ninicrafts,  9,  502. 

Noble,  483. 

Noddle's  Hand,  120,  140,  152,  154,  181, 
379,  456. 

Norcott,  266,  269,  271,  285,  303. 

Norman,  7. 

Norraanby,  204. 

North  Bri'tain,  497. 

North  Carolina,  402,  403. 

Northend,  .346,  -360,  361,  405. 

Northfield,  22-3,  229. 

North  Hampton,  78,  430,  483. 

North  Yarmouth.  229. 


Norton,  36,  46,  93, 101, 163, 171,  187,  204, 
334,  420. 

Norwich,  108,  247,  462. 

Nowell,  56,  76,  77,  78,  8.3,  85,  91,  94,  97, 
99, 100, 101, 119, 123, 125, 128, 131, 132. 
137,  140,  150,  169,  171,  172,  186,  190, 
196,  213,  221,  230,  235,  345,  381,  436. 

Nowes,  298. 

Noyes,  5, 9,  11,  20, 29,  37, 48,  89, 135, 140, 
14.3,  146,  153,  185,  199,  212,  224,  227, 
2.36,  352,  358,  363,  381,  387,  391,  396, 
397,  417,  422,  453,  455,  4.58,  463,  478, 
480,  484,  485,  488,  502,  503. 

Nucom,  1. 

Nymph,  92. 


o. 


Oakes,  3,  18,  39,  42,  48,  51,  82,  91,  96, 
11.3,  11.5,  116,  158,  176,  182,  241,  298, 
352,  363,  367,  369,  379,  383,  391,  392, 
396,  417,  4.32,  434,  435,  4-38,  444,  468, 
475,  488,  507. 

Oakman,  262. 

Gates,  88. 

Obinson,  410. 

Obi  son,  53. 

Odell,  293. 

Odlin,  55, 102, 112, 113,  210,  350,  417. 

Offly,  234. 

Oliver,  29,  32,  34,  37,  92,  94,  95, 100,  101, 
109,  121,  127,  158,  162,  171,  194,  229, 
234,  367,  392,  397,  400,  403,  408,  423, 
425,  441,  448,  454,  455,  466,  469,  470, 
487. 

Orange,  Prince  of,  174, 241, 242, 245,  246, 
350. 

Orange,  Princess  of,  262. 

Orchard,  125,  356. 

Orknye,  8. 

Otterburn,  295. 

Otis,  188. 

Oulton,  13.3. 

Owen,  58,  265,  267,  303,  305,  354,  478. 

Oxford,  148,  149,  156,  168,  207,  247,  250, 
263,  292,  301,  302,  303,  304,  315,  351, 
430. 

Oxon,  .30.3. 

Oyer,  359,  366,  367,  368,  445,  446,  492. 

Oyster  Bay,  318. 

Oyster  River,  324,  391. 


P. 


Padashell,  17. 

Paddleford,  128. 

Paddy,  .53,  102. 

Paice,  267. 

Paige,  11,  60,  63,  76,  95,  137,  138,  141, 
146,  158,  162,  175,  190,  225,  .325,  333, 
362,  370,  411,  41.3,  464,  467,  470,  506. 

Pain,  82,  146,  179,  2:34,  329,  338,  386, 
412. 


526 


INDEX. 


Palfrey,  87,  147,  174,  190,  195, 198,  321. 

Palmer,  197,  226,  229,  447,  467. 

Panama,  87. 

Papil,  18,  19,  33. 

Papillon,  252,  257,  262. 

Parbus,  196. 

Parker,  5,  8,  9,  41,  43,  286,  348. 

Parkes,  75. 

Par  kin  an,  374. 

Parkman,  110,  111,  390. 

Parmiter,  466. 

Parris,  33,  146. 

Parson,  146,  176,  323,  324,  328,  457,  483. 

Partridt^e,  132,  188,  255,  271,  275,  279, 
280,  281,  289,  290,  338,  345,  489. 

Paterson,  496,  497. 

Patteshal,  86. 

Paxton,  429,  431. 

Payson,  Q6,  216,  227,  347. 

Peacock,  149,  150. 

Pease,  50,  309. 

Peck,  269. 

Pecker,  88. 

Pejepscot,  255. 

Pell,  53,  55,  102,  110. 

Pemaquid,  381,  382,  398,  413. 

Pemberton,  21,  202,  223,  341,  355,  380, 
381,  384,  435,  449,  455,  457,  485. 

Pembroke,  Earl  of,  8. 

Pendevy,  155. 

Pengry,  85. 

Penhallow,  227,  405. 

Peniman,  467. 

Penn,  78,  109, 119. 

Pensilvania,  124. 

Penton,  294. 

Peperill,  398. 

Pepys,  73. 

Perce,  394,  406,  426,  468. 

Percival,  25,  26. 

Perkins,  9. 

Pern,  296,  297. 

Perry,  52,  53,  161,  176,  255,  258,  267,  271, 
273,  286,  391,  397,  420,  421,  425,  474, 
475,  477. 

Peters,  431. 

Pezans,  268,  269. 

Philadelphia,  459. 

Phillips,  8,  17,  39,  61,  62,  65,  66,  67,  74, 
77,  78,  100,  114,  121,  132,  135,  136, 
139,  161,  164,  178,  183,  188,  209,  212, 
228,  232,  308,  309,  310,  326,  338,  344, 
349,  351,  352,  363,  371,  378,  388,  391, 
395,  406,  423,  429,  450,  451,  454,  488, 
492,  505. 

Phips,  13,  15,  52,  123,  159,  178,  192,  193, 
195,  203,  204,  215,  217,  219,  221,  222, 
228,  248,  268,  315,  316,  320,  321,  327, 
333,  336,  337,  338,  339,  349,  355,  356, 
359,  360,  386,  392,  394,  395,  404,  436, 
450. 

Piccadilly,  250,  252. 

Piedmont,  140. 

Pierce,  78,  119,  132,  209,  212,  326,  332, 
378,  387,  454. 


Pierpont,  217,  345,  385, 454. 

Pierson,  417. 

Pigeon  Hill,  431. 

Pike,  7,  14,  48,  77,  87,  132,  133, 137,  188, 

339,  345,  378,  406,  426. 
Pilkinton,  248,  249,  255. 
Pilsbury,  144,  335. 
Pincarton,  411. 
Pinnor,  250,  262. 
Pirkis,  508. 
Piscataqua,  95,  308. 
Piscataway,  1. 
Pitkin,  317,  318. 
Plaisted,  24,  406,  470. 
Plat,  153. 
Platts,  355. 
Plimly,  53. 
Plumer,  10, 12. 
Plymouth,  15,  25,  26,  43,  163,  182,  190, 

242,  273,  274,  275,  287,  288,  289,  317, 

320,  326,  334,  340,  356,  361,  367,  379, 

389,  398,  399,  401,  406,  407,  426,  450, 

454,  456,  460,  472,  473,  478,  503. 
Point  Judith,  319,  383,  501,  502. 
Poland,  King  of,  462. 
Pole,  236, 248,  269, 271, 285, 286, 340, 391. 
Pollard,  73. 
Pollixfen,  255. 
Pond,  317. 
Poole,  32,  33,  163,  210,  212,  248,  266, 

267,  269,  282,  329,  355,  356. 
Poor,  375,  452. 
Pope,  274. 
Porchester,  299. 
Porter,  53,  97,  124,  125,  126. 
Portland,  245,  274. 
Port  Royal,  321,  323,  336,  337. 
Portsmouth,  82,  130,  188,  205,  215,  217, 

242,  250,  257,  258,  288,  290,  299,  352, 

354,  402,  403,  405,  433. 
Pound,  309. 
Pounden,  17. 
Powell,  52,  272,  474. 
Powers,  305. 
Powes,  50. 
Powlett,  275. 
Praves,  113. 

Prentice,  191, 193,  197,  215,  366. 
Prescott,  386. 

Preston,  238,  239,  259,  279,  362. 
Price,  185,  311,  503. 
Prince,  89,  143,  252,  254,  292,  461. 
Pritchet,  53. 
Procter,  363,  498. 
Prout,  67,  96,  101,   124,   164,   169,  214, 

235,  313,  341,  342,  358,  375,  386,  388, 

400,  508. 
Prudden,  318. 
Punkapaug,  314. 
Purchas,  77,  78, 132. 
Putnam,  364. 
Pye,  89. 
Pynchon,  48,  50,  77,  86,  132,  137,  138, 

142,  320,  378,  398,  406,  425,  434,  464. 
Pyne,  456. 


INDEX. 


ri9 


27 


Q. 

Quaboag,  482,  483. 

Quamphegen,  189. 

Quarles,  273. 

Quebec,  204,  350. 

Quelch,  356. 

Quinebeck,  16. 

Quinsey,  17,  18,  20,  29,  31.  34,  53,  54,  56, 
76,  78,  82,  102,  107,  114,  119,  128,  130, 
154,  155,  109,  184,  187,  196,  199,  201, 
208,  210,  211,  223,  228,  2-35,  248,  257, 
270,  271,  272,  309,  311,  323,  324,  325, 
326,  327,  336,  342,  357,  370,  396,  41.3, 
418,  443,  452,  455,  464,  465,  466,  467, 
468,  480. 


R. 


Rainer,  188. 

Rainsford,  12,  38,  53,  55,  93,  102,  184, 

215,  231,  236,  313,  332,  344,  350,  372, 
495. 

Ran  am,  29.3. 

Randall,  305,  .306. 

Randolph,  100,  119,  134,  137,  138,  139, 
141,  142,  145,  147,  170,  171,  174,  190, 
198,  201,  207,  209,  218,  219,  364. 

Ratcliff,  141,  142,  152,  181,  192,  203,  207, 

216,  233,  234,  270. 
Ravenscroft,  143,  168,  190,  199. 
Rawling,  295,  380. 

Rawlins,  190. 

Rawson,  68,  70,  81,  84,  110,  125,  128, 
138,  150,  168,  169,  171,  173,  182,  185. 

Rayment,  249. 

Raymond,  249. 

Read,  147,  2-50,  255,  258,  290,  294. 

Reading,  339. 

Redbridge,  298. 

Redford,  405,  406. 

Redincr,  217. 

Redknap,  118. 

Redriff,  252. 

Reed,  02. 

Rehoboth,  193,  318,  459,  484. 

Reinor,  8. 

Remington,  145,  377,  436,  450. 

Kevere,  470. 

Revner,  11,  20,  21,  24,  31,  32, 34,  44. 

Reynolds,  3-30. 

Rhode  Island,  356,  395. 

Rich,  9. 

Richards,  55,  66,  70,  77,  85,  91,  92,  93,  99, 
111,  124,  125,  1.32,  136,  137,  139,  140, 
141,  145,  152,  154,  162,  168,  171,  186, 
105,  108,  228,  232,  308,  311,  313,  315, 
316,  323,  324,  326,  329,  3.32,  3.33,  337, 
338,  349,  351,  352,  360,  364,  369,  370, 
378,  379,  380,  387,  388,  389,  390,  412, 
413,  470. 

Richardson,  5,  8,  10,  51,  66,  143,  144, 
249,  2.54,  344,  424. 

Richbell,  49. 

Rider,  6,  20,  294,  300. 


Road  Island,  32, 153, 157, 163,  326,  476. 

501. 

Robbins,  148. 

Roberts,  467. 

Robie,  358. 

Robinson,  156,  352. 

Roby,  78. 

Rochester,  247,  293. 

Rock,  326. 

Rocks,  40. 

Roe,  303. 

Rogers,  50,  225,  324,  453,  478. 

Rome,  115,  437. 

Romer,  488,  507. 

Roulandson,  53. 

Rouse,  341. 

Rowe,  149,  266,  267,  285,  507. 

Rowland,  473. 

Rowlandson,  30. 

Rowly,  10,  114,  146,  212,  349,  385,  414, 
42.3,  453. 

Rowse,  354. 

Roxburv,  2,  4.3,  49,  50,  72,  76,  78,  93,  94, 
99,  108,  109,  137,  140,  144,  151,  157, 
170,  171,  180,  181,  187,  188,  192,  194, 
197,  199,  206,  215,  232,  315,  318,  320, 
328,  331,  333,  342,  363,  373,  398,  457 
459,  488,  492,  495,  497,  498 

Royal,  479. 

Royse,  120. 

Ruck,  210,  248,  339. 

Ruggles,  315,  353,  363,  411. 

Rumly,  53. 

Rumney,  274,  315. 

Rumsey,  262,  294,  298,  299,  302. 

Russell,  13,  21,  25,  77,  84,  91,  1.32,  136, 
137,  139,  154,  155,  163,  171,  194,  217, 
220,  228,  231,  2.34,  308,  322,  326,  3-30, 
338,  339,  343,  348,  349,  352,  363,  368, 
371,  374,  376,  378,  387,  389,  390,  395, 
406,  409,  412,  419,  426,  433,  435,  451, 
454,  469,  492,  505. 


S. 


Sachem,  14. 

Saco,  404. 

Saffin,  54,  57,  67,  77,  132, 
150,  169,  183,  192,  194, 
318,  378,  406,  412,  454, 

Sagadahoc,  334,  407,  427, 

Sagamore,  205. 

Sagamore  John,  15,  22. 

Sagamore  Sam,  22. 

Salem,  2,  6,  7,  24,  66,  70, 
135,  140,  143,  144,  147, 
184,  185,  188,  190,  200, 
213,  221,  223,  224,  226, 
252,  259,  296,  311,  334, 
352,  353,  358,  359,  361, 
367,  370,  385,  387,  388, 
415,  416,  421,  426,  4.32, 
443,44-5,451,453,  463, 
481,  486,  499,  505. 

Salisbury,  6,  21,  294,  296, 


138,  148,  149, 
195,  196,  264, 
484,  501,  502. 
454. 


74,  91,  98,  130, 

152,  177,  178, 

204,  205,  206, 

227,  232,  236, 

340,  343,  346, 

362,  363,  364, 

390,  399,  413, 

433,  436  441, 

464,  469  479, 

297.  486. 


528 


INDEX. 


Salisbury  Plain,  242. 

Salmon  Falls,  28,  187,  188,  189,  315,  325, 

32G,  330. 
Salter,  109,  508. 
Saltonstall,  7,  48,  66,  77,  96,  132,  137, 

142,  186,  190,  196,  225,  257,  325,  359, 
373,  374,  378,  406,  502. 

Sampson,  240. 

Sandwich,  25,  29,  31,  210,  272. 

Sandy  Beach,  343. 

Sandy  Hook,  476. 

Sanford,  12,  29,  33,  35,  36,  127,  356. 

Sappho,  349. 

Sargeant,  4,  53,  172. 

Sarum,  297. 

Saunders,  18,  318,  389. 

Saunderson,  92,  121,  155,  164,  176,  179, 

181,  208,  350,  354,  385,  414. 
Savage,  17,  23,   29,  35,  36,  43,  48,  49, 

52,  53,  65,  56,  61,  98,  114,  133,  134, 

143,  148,  151,  152,  154,  156,160,  165, 
168,  171,  172,  184,  185,  187,  190,  195, 
204,  212,  217,  233,  234,  252,  266,  291, 
322,  324,  329,  338,  335.  337,  339,  340, 

.  349,  354,  356,  374,  375,  377,  418,  425, 
430,  432,  449,  458,  460,  470,  475,  486, 
498,  499,  507,  509. 

Sawyer,  189,  254. 

Saxony,  Duke  of,  462. 

Saxton,  380. 

Scarlet,  10,  200,  224,  381. 

Schenactady,  310,  311,  329. 

Schwenkfeld,  243. 

Sclater,  257. 

Scovel,  471. 

Scot,  171,  395. 

Scotland,  8,  39,  90,  97,  124,  270,  285, 
434,  489,  496,  497. 

Scottows,  24,  81,  32,  38,  40,  41,  81,  118, 
119,127,228,334,  335,  338,  347,  349, 
362,  367,  460,  467,  468,  469. 

Searle,  274,  289,  290. 

Seaver,  210. 

Secq,  292. 

Selyns,  819. 

Senderlen,  25,  26,  27. 

Serch,  179. 

Sergeant,  34,  104,  111,  112,  116, 117, 123, 
129,  158,  214,  249,  254,  255,  317,  323, 
324,  327,  330,  835,  338,  342,  359,  369, 
378,  387,  388,  389,  395,  397,  402,  406, 
409,  410,  413,  417,  426,  429,  434,  448, 
449,  451,  454,  456,  457,  467,  468,  469, 
477,  478,  489,  492,  498,  500,  504,  507, 
508. 

Sever,  63,  64. 

Sewall,  1,  5,  6,  8,  9,  11,  14,  17,  18,  22,  25, 
31,  34,  35,  39,  43,  47,  48,  49,  50,  51,  52, 

53,  55,  56,  57,  58,  59,  61,  62,  63,  66,  67, 
68,  70,  72,  78,  74,  75,  76,  77,  82,  85,  91, 
92,  95,  98,  104,  106,  118,  114,  132,  135, 
137,  142,  143,  145,  149,  151,  154,  155, 
168,  171,  179,  182,  184,  186,  188,  189, 
192,  195,  200,  204,  207,  212,  214,  220, 
228,  224,  231,  282,  284,  286,  248,  250, 
251  263,  269,  272,  282,   284,  285,  287, 


288,  289,  291,  292,  293,  300,  304,  806, 
307,  308,  310,  313,  314,  315,  317,  320, 
321,  322,  323,  324,  329,  233,  384,  335, 
337,  338,  340,  343,  846,  ^49,  352,  358, 
359,  360,  361,  362,  365,  367,  370,  376, 
377,  378,  380,  882,  383,  384,  386,  887 
389,  390,  391,  395,  401,  406,  412,  418; 
414,  415,  417,  419,  426,  430,  481,  483, 
438,  445,  446,  447,  451,  452,  453,  454, 
456,  457,  458,  467,  468,  474,  475,  480, 
483,  484,  485 ,  488,  490,  491,  496,  497, 
499,  502,  503,  505,  508. 

Shaftisbury,  296,  297,  302. 

Shaller,  206,  207,  214. 

Shaplighs,  405. 

Sharp,  247,  346. 

Shaw,  60,  62. 

Sheaf,  172,  216,  338,  425. 

SheafEe,  75. 

Shears,  265. 

Shelton,  61. 

Shephard,  13,  30,  44,  48,  56,  81,  82,  85, 
154,  172,  208,  214,  217,  241,  285,  327, 
391,  446,  447,  451,  468. 

Sherborn,  227,  230. 

Sherburn,  64,  65,  68,  190. 

Sheriff,  436,  473. 

Sherivil,  276. 

Sherlock,  173,  220,  234. 

Sherman,  2,  67,  68,  82,  88,  92,  108,  109 
148,  222,  224,  460. 

Shewell  (namesake),  252,  305 

Shinkfield,  264,  267. 

Shippen,  60,61,219. 

Shiprev,  341,  346. 

Shirtly,  473. 

Short,  3,  360,  370,  394. 

Shove,  30,  41,  106,  145,  153,  156,  173, 
191,  347,  352,  380. 

Shrewsbury,  Duke  of,  434. 

Shrewsbury,  Earl  of,  251. 

Shrimpton,  70,  95,  99,  104,  110 


132, 


111, 
183, 


328, 
396, 
456, 


324, 
399, 
457, 


117,121,  128,  129,  131 

185,  137,  139,  150,  151,  168,  174, 

180,  183,  190,  194,  196,  201,  213 

231,  310,  311,  815,  316, 

338,  340,  369,  378,  391 

407,  424,  426,  451,  454, 

507. 
Shute,  334,  495. 
ShurtlefF,  203,  292,  482. 
Sibly,  53,  105,  122,  464. 
Sibs,  176. 
Sidney,  304. 
Sill,  325. 
Simesburv,  352. 
Simmes,  82,  194,  343,  363,  436. 
Simonds,  22. 
Simons,  158,  280. 
Simpkins,  403. 
Simson,  380,  372,  500. 
Singer,  507. 
Sittingburn,  272,  293. 
Skerry,  10. 
Skinner,  335. 
Skiphs,  26. 


112, 
134, 
175, 
228 
333, 
402 
470 


INDEX. 


529 


Slater,  333. 

Slaughter,  322. 

Sloane,  270. 

Sloughter,  342,  345,  347. 

Smith,  8,  10,  14,  20,  26,  29,  35,  36,  38, 
41,  48,  53,  54,  71,  77,  78,  95,  96,  105, 
132,  134,  187,  138,  145,  149,  154,  169, 
171,  185,  234,  235,  243,  299,  306,  308, 
311,  335,  348,  349,  377,  383,  402,  405, 
409,  483,  489. 

Smithfield,  247. 

Snelling,  17. 

Snow,  470. 

Soley,  70,  433. 

Somnierby,  2,  343. 

South,  302. 

Southack,  61,  64,  328,  330,  438. 

South  Berwick,  189. 

South  Carolina,  402. 

Southliampton,  8,  262,  298. 

Southton,  295. 

Southwarke,  253. 

Southworke,  19. 

Sowle,  228 

Spain,  8,  479,  484. 

Sparhawk,  435,  436,  479. 

Sparks,  66,  67,  203,  206. 

Spencer,  204. 

Sprague,  3-52,  386,  454. 

Springfield,  10,  222,  229,  320,  482,  483. 

Squaboag,  381. 

Squam,  343. 

Squawheag,  229. 

StafEord,  261,  307. 

Stamp,  248,  249,  269. 

Stanburj,  98. 

Stanning,  275. 

Stanton,  15-3,  502. 

Stapleton,  69. 

Stark,  298. 

Stebbin,  101,  231. 

Stedman,  454. 

Stedmand,  165. 

Steel,  497. 

Stephens,  323. 

Stepney,  112, 120,  121,  145,  264,  267. 

Steward,  345,  381. 

Stiles,  304,  306. 

St  John,  350, 403. 

StMaloes,  148. 

St  Michaels,  21. 

Stoake,  19,  20,  248. 

Stockman,  8. 

Stoddard,  67,  83,  84,  96,  98,  111,  170, 
171,  172,  2.30,  233,  341,  421,  424,  448, 
456,  457,  465,  474,  483,  491,  507,  508. 

Stoeke,  259. 

Stoke,  295,  298,  30.5. 

Stone,  170,  436. 

Stonehouse,  275. 

Stonhinge,  297. 

Stonington,  153. 

Storey,  310. 

Storke,  294,  298,  299,  300,  302,  413. 

Stoughton,  4,  32,  33,  48,  66,  69,  77,  78, 
81,  82,  83,  85,  86,  87,  91,  93,  95,  100, 


101, 106,  107,  111,  117,  118,  123,  124, 
126,  129,  130,  132,  133,  134,  137,  138, 
139,  142,  144,  145,  154,  163,  164.  165, 
167,  169,  174,  175,  186,  188,  190,  192, 
197,  199,  203,  205,  206,  212,  21.3,  215, 
271,  310,  311,  312,  313,  314,  315,  317, 
318,  319,  326,  332,  33.3,  336,  340,  345, 
348,  349,  352,  359,  364,  365,  366,  370, 
378,  387,  388,  390,  395,  406,  434,  441, 
446,  453,  480,  493,  500,  504. 

Stoweri,  471. 

Stratford,  282,  418. 

Stretton,  264. 

Strickland,  352. 

Strong,  441. 

Sudbury,  12,  88,  227,  290,  320. 

Suffolk,  72,  163,  355,  359,  425. 

Suffolk,  Earl  of,  261. 

Sugars,  164. 

Suklerdam,  309. 

Sumner,  117,  125,  151,  193,  222,  424. 

Surrey,  65. 

Sutton,  71. 

Swain,  308. 

Swan,  180. 

Swathling,  258. 

Sweet,  70,  355. 

Sweeting,  228. 

Swift,  314,  348,  382,  469. 

Swinnerton,  227. 

Sylvester,  98. 

Symonds,  406,  409. 


T. 


Tackonnick,  377. 

Talcots,  17. 

Tangier,  87. 

Tanner,  42,  209,  210,  235. 

Tapan,  453,  468,  471,  480,  481,  482,  500, 

505, 
Tappin,  17,  29,  35,  43. 
Taunton,  266,412. 
Tay,  12.5,  467,  474,  508. 
Taylor,  6,  49,  52,  93,  154,  162,  163,  194, 

202,  2.30,  233,  234,  252,  298,  319,  324, 

341,  342,  345,  375,  378,  481,  482,  483, 

491,  493. 
Temple,  350. 
Tennison,  40.3. 
Terminer,  359,  366,  367,  368,  445,  446, 

492. 
Thacher,  321,  329,  338,  346,  349,  381, 

38.3,  389,  407,  411,  426,  452,  454,  458, 

464,  467. 
Thair,  436,  495. 
Thatcher,  3,  4,  11,  27,  34,  38,  39,  40,  42, 

43,  44,  45,  46,  47,  93,  97,  131,  166,  169, 

178,  208,  222,  464. 
Thaxter,  170. 
Thayer,  74,  469. 
Thirston,  222. 
Thorn,  118. 
Thomas,  57,  117, 144,  164,  324,  378,  387, 

396,  398,  406,  426,  438,  451,  452,  454 


34 


530 


INDEX. 


Thomas,  Indian,  229. 

Thompson,  63,  64,  65,  143,  250. 

Thomson,  21. 

Thorn,  63,  64. 

Tliorner,  300. 

Thornes,  298. 

Thornton,  317  837,  374,  386,  406,  410, 
425,  479,  480. 

Thorsway,  49. 

Threeneedles,  486. 

Thurrel,  9. 

Thurston,  48,  64,  55,  132,  199,  459. 

Thurton,  209,  448. 

Tichfield,  298,  299. 

Tiffiny,  88. 

Tiler,  388,  476. 

Till,  54. 

Tiiley,  212. 

Tilton,  77,  132,  137. 

Titcomb,  22,  410,  500. 

Tom,  14. 

Tomlin,  298. 

Tomson,  256,  337,  385. 

Toogood,  261. 

Toppan,  67,  144,  185,  204,  205,  214,  229, 
282,  332,  343,  346,  347,  361,  377. 

Topsfield,  146. 

Topsham,  479. 

Toqualmot,  334. 

Torbay,  246. 

Torry,  32,  33,  36,  43,  46,  57,  68,  69,  76, 
85,  92,  95,  100,  169,  173,  179,  184, 
187,  188,  224,  234,  235,  249,  309,  321, 
323,  332,  336,  346,  347,  348,  366,  373, 
382,  385,  387,  389,  390,  391,  394,  395, 
399,  410,  413,  433,  461,  462,  464,  467, 
475,  502. 

Tortuga,  423,  495. 

Tortugas,  124. 

Tourasse,  337. 

Town,  71. 

Townsend,  53,  55,  121,  134,  138,  156, 
164,  165,  176,  210,  214,  215,  217,  222, 
226,  228,  232,  316,  333,  334,  335,  338, 
341,  342,  344,  357,  358,  375,  886,  388, 
391,  407,  423,  425,  429,  438,  441,  444, 
456,  457,  466,  467,  469,  474,  479,  480, 
489,  491,  492,  507,  508. 

Trades,  27. 

Treat,  3,  196,  503. 

Trescott,  112. 

Triesday,  261,  307. 

Trigg,  292. 

Trook,  13. 

Trott,  411. 

Trowbridge,  381,  405,  419. 

True,  367. 

Truesdale,  72. 

Trusedal,  398. 

Tryal,  271. 

Tu  (Tew),  396. 

Tucker,  243,  244,  276,  468. 

Tuckey,  250,  263,  305. 

Turell,  37,  124,  164,  165,  169,  193,  198, 
214,  338,  341,  380,  507. 

Turfrey,  438. 


Turin,  13. 

Turner,  13,  98,  108,  149,  169,  436,  492. 

Tuthill,  262,  266,  271,  273,  293,  470,  490 

491,  494,  498,  500,  503. 
Tuttle,  246,  461,  490. 
Tyburn,  265. 
Tyley,  163. 
Tyng,  48,  64,  65, 139,  142,  185,  202,  255, 

323,  350.  358.  460. 


u. 


Updike,  479. 

Upham,  359,  364,  441. 

Uringe,  292. 

Urrumlaee,  334. 

Usher,  13,  29,  31,  34,  38,  104,  105,  106, 
107,  119,  120,  142,  152,  154,  164,  169, 
171,  181,  182,  190,  194,  212,  215,  248, 
267,  268,  271,  286,  327,  330,  355,  364, 
382,  396,  405,  421,  422,  429,  438,  449, 
456,  469,  481,  495,  500,  507. 

Uxbridge,  306. 


V. 


Yagum,  407,  427. 

Valley  Achor,  03,  64,  65. 

Vandenbosk,  98. 

Vane,  59,  62,  63. 

Vardenbosch,  98. 

Vassall,  61,  62,  63,  64,  65. 

Vaughan,  91,   124,   188,   272,  284,  288. 

290,  312,  405,  489. 
Veal,  86. 

Veazie,  197,  425,  430. 
Veisy,  428,  430. 
Vergoose,  53, 108. 
Vertigoose,  108. 
Vincent,  120,  465. 
Virginia,  49,  170,  175,  322,  401. 
Vosse,  139. 
Vyall,  86. 


W. 

Wade,  50,  99,  344,  471. 

Wadsworth,  12,  341,  380,  421,  422,  430, 

432,  464,  477,  485,  487. 
Wakeam,  187. 

Wakefield,  28,  189,  193,  385. 
Wainwright,  437,  478. 
Wait,  49,  110,  121,  179,  210,  483,  496. 
Walbon,  405. 
Walden,  261. 

Waldron,  136,  188,  349,  405. 
Wales,  53,  235. 
Wales,  Prince  of,  246. 
Walford,  227. 
Walker,  47,  92,  99,  100,  164,  169,  177, 

179,  202,  205,  233,  266,  312,  341,  349, 

351,  358,  374,  377,  378,  396,  416,  417, 

418,  474,  508. 


INDEX. 


53] 


Walkinton,  280. 

Wall,  60. 

Waller,  270. 

Wallev,  U7,  164,  173,  317,  318,  321, 

334,  335,  340,  354,  361,  367,  378, 

387,  388,  389,  399,  400,  403,  420, 

427,  429,  467,  468,  470,  480,  489, 

507. 
Wallie,  4,  463. 
Wallis,  284,  349. 
Walombec,  334. 
Walter,  232,  312,  319,  321,  331,  345, 

353,  354,  393,  411,  432,  469,  488, 

492,  502. 
Wan,  1»2. 
Wanton,  2:34. 
Ward,  256,  259,  285,  293,  335,  343, 

368,  473. 
Warner,  13-3,  291. 
Warren,  8,  54,  228,  299,  309. 
Warwick,  250,  263,  304,  305,  319. 
Warwickshire,  484. 
Wasliburn,  368. 
Wasliiniiton,  89. 
Water! louse,  362. 
Waters,  80,  381. 
Watertown,  3,  67,  68,  88,  94,  100, 

152,201,215,230,  332,  357,  363, 

376,  377,  400,  409,  418,  422,  435, 

460. 
Watombaniet,  334. 
Watson,  311. 
Watter,  210 

Watts,  149,  272,  298,  309. 
Way,  7,  150,  210. 
Wear,  132,  340,  341. 
Weare,  277,  346,  350,  357. 
Wears,  188,  199. 
Weaver,  7. 

Webb,  197,  314,  469,  485. 
Webster,  211. 
Weeden.  40,  110,  114,  166,  222,  223, 

351,  394. 
Weissenburg,  227. 
WeM,  4,  5,  13,  50,  51,  52,  107,  112, 

205,  :.53,  354,  357,  411. 
Wells,  209,  334,  346,  509. 
Welsteed,  466. 
Wendell,  63,  64. 
Weniiam,  66,  505. 
Wenslev,  158. 
West,  68,  96,  97,  116,  138,  167,  173, 

202,  20.5,  210,  212,  216,  229. 
Westtield,  57,  86,  376,  481,  483. 
West  Indies,  65. 
West  Jersey,  220,  229. 
Westminster,  267. 
Wevmouth,  68,  134,  154,  173,  187, 

366,  4.58. 
Wezendunk,  133. 
Whaliev,  170. 

Wharton,  12,  70,  77,  93,  135,  138, 
158,  170,  182,  220,  221,  251,  255, 

412,  442.  499. 
Wheeler,  54,  102,  333,  350,  377,  378, 

417,  435. 


326, 
382, 
421, 
497. 


351, 

489, 


373, 


145, 
371. 
450, 


328, 
185, 

184, 
211, 


142, 

256, 

403, 


Wheelwright,  74, 105,  189,  398,  406,  428 
454. 

Whetcomb,  158. 

Whig,  389. 

Whitcomb,  73. 

White,  122,  127,  165,  168,  172,  173,  19C 
213,  23.5,  405,  455,  457,  475,  480,  489 
496. 

Whitehaven,  270. 

Whiting,  72,  142,  252,  256,  266,  270,  287 
288,  337,  4.56,  465. 

Whitman,  459. 

Whitmore.  71,  222,  368. 

Whitney,  191,  363,  376. 

Whittingham,  357,  429. 

Wickam,  306. 

Wickliffe,  259. 

Widen,  300,  301. 

Widnell,  302. 

Wier,  342. 

Wigglesworth,  95,  100,  127,  136,  217 
223,  352,  353,  427,  433,  434,  436,  453 
471,  498. 

Wight,  Isle  of,  374. 

Wilbore,  108,  288. 

Wilcox,  52. 

Wild,  220. 

Wilde,  196,  209. 

Wilkins,  161,  233,  345,  412,  452,  459 
462,  501. 

Willard,  2,  12,  13,  29,  30,  32,  38,  44,  52 
56,  67,  71,  76,  82,  84,  85,  92,  94,  95,  96 
102,  103,  104,  109,  111,  113,  114,  117 
118,  119,  120,  121,  123,  128,  130,  131 
138,  139,  143,  150,  1-52,  153,  155,  159 
162,  167,  170,  172,  175,  176,  180,  184 
185,  187,  192,  194,  196,  197,  201,  203 
210,  211,  212,  213,  214,  217,  218,  222 
223,  224,  225,  226,  228,  232,  233,  234 
235,  236,  270,  308,  311,  317,  320,  321 
325,  327,  328,  329.  330,  331,  332,  3.34 
335,  336,  338,  341,  346,  349,  350,  351 
352,  354,  356,  362,  363,  366,  367,  369 
371,  375,  380.  382,  .383,  384.  385,  391 
392,  394,  395,  396,  398,  399,  400,  402 
408,  410,  413,  414,  417,  420,  42-5,  427 
431,  432,  433,  434,  435,  436,  438,  441 
442,  443,  444,  445,  448,  449,  4-50,  451 
454,  455,  456,  457,  458,  459,  460,  464 
465,  467,  468,  469,  475,  476,  477,  479 
486,  490,  491,  492,  495,  497,  499,  504 
507,  508. 

WiUet,  14,  501. 

Williams,  24,  29,  .30,  38,  43,  73,  95,  114 
144,  154,  194,  196,  229,  232,  257,  323 
y27,  336,  341,  374,  388,  39 J,  41 1,  4x7. 
421,  431,  435,  448,  451,  457,  465,  469 
476,  483,  492. 

Williamson,  189. 

Willie,  286. 

Williems,  313. 

Willis,  222,  480. 

Willoughby,  463,  481. 

Wills,  305. 

Willv,  138,  216. 

Wilmot,  302,  304 


532 


INDEX. 


Wilson,  68,  03,  111,  149,  156,  232,  272, 
294,  346,  347,  396,  459. 

Wilton,  296. 

Wiuchcomb,  121,  123,  159,  173. 

Winchester,  104,  262,  294,  295,  296,  300. 

Windsor,  125,  352,  468. 

Wing,  29,  43,  60,  61,  69,  78,  156,  159, 
164,  173,  196,  308,  335,  354,  358,  360, 
463,  492. 

Wingate,  419. 

Winnesimet,  41. 

Winnisiramet,  144,  209,  220,  322,  333, 
348. 

Winslovv,  271,  325,  372,  472. 

Winsor,  2-34. 

Winterburn  Stoke,  297. 

Winter  Island,  224. 

Winthrop,  12,  77,  106,  138,  140,  141, 142, 
152,  164,  170,  185,  206,  213,  214,  282, 
286,  308,  309,  310,  311,  313,  315,  317, 
323,  332,  334,  342,  349,  352,  358,  359, 
364,  370,  378,  384,  385,  387,  388,  389, 
406,  417,  426,  433,  489,  451,  454,  457, 
461,  466,  467,  470,  477,  482,  483,  488, 
489,  492,  49.J,  499,  502,  505. 

Wirley,  149. 

Wise,  190. 

Wisendunk,  372. 

Wishart,  99. 

Wiswall,  150,  186,  309,  314,  315,  367, 
379,  473. 

Witherly,  498,  503. 

Withington,  201,  326. 

Woburn,  118,  145,  224,  360,  435. 

Wolcott,  2-52,  390. 

Wolf,  127. 

Wonolanset,  95,  96. 

Wood,  9,  10,  85. 

Woodbrid!ie,  5,  7,  8,  11,  48,  66,  78,  132, 
143,  172,  173,  227,  376,  399,  400,  438, 
458,  486,  491. 


Woodbury,  257. 

Woodcock,  153,  193,  412  459,  484. 

Wood  Creek,  329. 

Woodman,  10. 

Woodmancv,  212,  213,  340,  373. 

Woodrop,  13,  52,  168,  182. 

Woodstock,  315. 

Woodward,  24,  75,  249,  296,  301. 

Woolige,  271. 

Woolwich,  203. 

Worcester,  100,  108,  483. 

Worden,  355. 

Worster,  330. 

Wrentham,  204,  359,  459. 

Wright,  72,  303. 

Wyar,  91. 

Wyer,  54. 

Wylie,  297,  377,  425. 

Wyllys,  87,  12:3,  124,  125,  1.30,  154,  169 

182,  214,  221,  317,  469,488. 
Wyrley,  148,  149,  150. 


Yale,  60. 

Yarmouth,  262. 

Yonges,  486. 

York,  41,  83,  189,  247,  318,  321,352,  356 

York,  Duke  of,  174. 

Yorkshire,  255. 

Youringe,  292. 

Youcatan,  485. 


Zadori,  97. 
Zagadahock,  454. 
Zebit,  165 


Cambridge:  Presa  of  John  Wilson  &  Son. 


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